Riyadh Airport Attacks Leave More Dead and Injured as Trump Weighs US Military Action

At least 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured in a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue to escalate. A further attack on Sunday killed one person and injured 11 others, increasing fears of a wider regional conflict.

The airport attacks have placed Saudi Arabia’s aviation operations under pressure and raised concerns about the safety of passengers and airport workers. Authorities suspended airport operations following Saturday’s strike, while safety inspections and damage assessments were carried out after the subsequent attack.

The Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran, has claimed responsibility for attacks on the airport. The strikes came after a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the group in neighbouring Yemen. The airport had reportedly been targeted several times within a few days, highlighting the rapid escalation in hostilities.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering joining Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Houthis. Trump said a decision would be made after reviewing the latest developments, raising the possibility of direct US involvement in the expanding conflict. However, the reported consideration does not mean that the United States has formally announced its participation in the strikes.

The violence has also affected people from several nationalities. Reports on the deadly Saturday attack identified victims from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. The latest strike on Sunday reportedly killed a Pakistani resident, while 11 others were injured. An Indian national injured in Saturday’s attack also later died, according to reports, bringing the reported death toll from the two attacks to at least 14.

The developments have triggered concerns among foreign governments. British authorities advised UK nationals to avoid the airport after the initial attack, while the US embassy also urged American citizens to stay away.

The crisis could have wider consequences beyond Saudi Arabia. The escalating confrontation threatens regional stability and could affect international aviation, oil supplies and commercial shipping routes around the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Houthis have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea, and further escalation could increase risks for vessels travelling through these strategic waterways. Any decision by Washington to join Saudi strikes could intensify the conflict and prompt additional retaliation.

As Saudi authorities assess the damage and respond to the latest attacks, international attention is focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the confrontation from spreading further across the Middle East.