U.S. Considers Joining Saudi Strikes

PHOTO CAPTION: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters outside the White House on October 3, 2026. Following deadly attacks on Riyadh's international airport a week later, Trump said the United States was considering joining Saudi military strikes against the Houthis. Official White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

An American citizen was among those killed in a devastating attack on Saudi Arabia's main international airport over the weekend, as President Donald Trump said the United States is considering joining Saudi military strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The attack struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300, according to Saudi officials.
The death toll subsequently rose to 13 after an Indian national who had been hospitalized died from his injuries.
The victims included citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United States, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Sudan.
Saudi authorities reported that the attack damaged passenger terminal facilities and forced the suspension of airport operations.
Footage released by Saudi state media showed travelers waiting inside the airport moments before a sudden explosion sent people running for cover as parts of the ceiling collapsed.
The incident was the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
But the violence did not end Saturday.
On Sunday, October 11, another projectile struck Terminal 4 at the same airport, killing one person and injuring 11 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The latest victim was identified as a Pakistani national.
Saudi forces also reported intercepting a cruise missile near the airport, while additional attacks and air-defense alerts were reported elsewhere in the country.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed attacks against Saudi aviation and energy infrastructure and warned that further strikes could follow unless Saudi Arabia ends its military campaign in Yemen.
The renewed violence comes as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis battle for control of territory near important Red Sea shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia has intensified its military operations against the Houthis, who have responded with missile and drone attacks targeting airports, oil facilities and other infrastructure.
Following Saturday's mass-casualty attack, Trump was asked whether the United States would join Saudi Arabia in strikes against the Houthis.
"We may," Trump responded.
He said his administration was examining the situation and could reach a decision quickly.
"We're going to look at it," Trump told reporters. "We just found out about the recent attack, so we'll make a decision. We move very quickly."
Trump also said he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The president's comments represent a possible expansion of U.S. military involvement in a conflict that has intensified alongside the broader war with Iran.
However, Trump has not publicly announced a decision to join the Saudi strikes.
The United States is already heavily involved in regional military operations, including its continuing confrontation with Iran and efforts to protect shipping routes threatened by the wider conflict.
Direct participation in Saudi attacks against the Houthis would represent an additional military commitment.
The airport strikes have also disrupted international aviation.
Commercial flights were canceled or diverted as Saudi authorities assessed damage and security risks at King Khalid International Airport.
The United States and several other governments issued aviation or travel warnings as the Houthis threatened further attacks.
The fighting has also raised concerns about global energy supplies because of the proximity of the conflict to major oil infrastructure and critical shipping routes.
Iran has offered to help facilitate discussions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while international officials have called for steps to prevent further escalation.
For now, Saudi Arabia is continuing its response to the attacks, the Houthis are threatening additional strikes, and Washington is weighing whether to participate directly in military operations.
The American killed in Saturday's attack adds a new U.S. casualty to an escalating regional conflict, while Trump's next decision could determine whether American forces become more directly involved in the fighting against the Houthis.