Trump Says He’ll Decide on Joining Saudi Strikes on Houthis
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he is considering whether the United States should join Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, after a missile struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
“We may. We’re going to look at it,” Trump told reporters when asked whether the United States could take part in Saudi strikes, according to the Associated Press. “We just found out about the recent attack. So we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.”
The latest attack
In the latest attack, a missile struck a complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights at the Riyadh airport, and several people were wounded, regional officials told the AP on condition of anonymity.
Ambulances were seen rushing to the airport. Riyadh residents reported hearing two large explosions. The airport was evacuated and flights were diverted or cancelled, and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed all operations were suspended, advising passengers to check their flight status.
The US and British embassies urged their citizens to avoid the airport.
The attack came two days after strikes at the airport killed three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot. The Houthis claimed responsibility for those earlier attacks, as well as other strikes this week on Saudi airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure. There was no immediate Houthi claim for Saturday’s strike.
Washington’s position
The Trump administration has provided intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia but has not committed American forces to offensive operations against the Houthis.
Reuters reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought direct US military assistance during conversations with Trump in September. Washington declined at the time, instead offering intelligence sharing and targeting support.
Trump’s remarks suggest that position could change as attacks on the kingdom intensify. The latest violence has brought renewed attention to Washington’s military relationship with Saudi Arabia, a long-time US security partner.
Escalating front
The surge in attacks has come in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthis. The rebels have struck King Khalid International Airport repeatedly, along with airports in Abha, Jizan and Najran, military sites and energy infrastructure.
Pakistan has watched the escalation closely. Islamabad has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security at the UN Security Council, suspended PIA flights to Riyadh after the strikes, and denied reports that Pakistani jets were being used against the Houthis.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump say about joining Saudi strikes on the Houthis?
Asked by reporters whether the United States could participate, Trump said: “We may. We’re going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack. So we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.”
What happened at Riyadh airport on Saturday?
A missile struck terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights at King Khalid International Airport, wounding several people. The airport was evacuated, flights were diverted or cancelled, and all operations were suspended.
What is the current US position?
The US has provided intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia but has not committed forces to offensive operations. Trump declined a Saudi request for direct military assistance in September, though his latest remarks suggest that stance is under review.
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