Houthi Attack on Saudi Airport: What world leaders, including Trump, are saying
Fire was seen burning at Riyadh International Airport following an attack. Photo: Reuters.
An attack on Saudi Arabia's Riyadh International Airport resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and left no fewer than 300 injured. Saudi Arabia has accused the Iran-backed Houthi movement of Yemen of carrying out the attack, which marks the third such strike on the airport within a single week.
According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, four of those killed in Saturday's attack were Saudi nationals. The victims also included two citizens from Bangladesh, alongside one citizen each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt.
This is the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in over a decade.
The strike occurred amid escalating conflict in Yemen, where fighting continues between the Houthis and forces loyal to the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government. Riyadh has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis in support of the government forces.
The fatal attack on the Riyadh airport drew widespread condemnation from the United States, the United Nations, Egypt, Qatar, Palestine, India, Pakistan, Japan, and Malaysia.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as "horrible." He said that he would speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman soon and noted that he is considering whether the United States should join the fight against the Houthis.
Trump said, "We might join. We'll see. We just learned about the recent attack, so we will make a decision and take action very quickly."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that a U.S. citizen was killed in the attack. Calling for an end to the "despicable attacks" by the Houthis, Rubio expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, described the deadly attack on the Saudi civilian airport as a "serious escalation." He stated that such attacks pose a severe threat to regional security, prolong the cycle of violence, and make peace efforts in Yemen even more difficult.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, stating that it represents a clear violation of international law and a disregard for civilian safety.
Qatar similarly characterized the attack as a "flagrant violation" of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security, civilian infrastructure, and air navigation. Doha expressed support for Saudi Arabia's legitimate measures to protect its security and sovereignty.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, backing the steps taken by the country to ensure its security, sovereignty, and the protection of its citizens and residents.
India
India also strongly condemned the repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement, the country's Ministry of External Affairs said, "King Khalid International Airport has been repeatedly targeted over the past few days. Among these, the cowardly attack on October 10 caused loss of lives, injuries, and property damage. We strongly condemn these attacks."
The statement further added, "Repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable. Such attacks must cease immediately." New Delhi expressed solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding their sovereignty, while hoping for a swift return to peace and normalcy in the region.
Pakistan
Pakistan described the attack as a "heinous act of terrorism" and a grave threat to regional peace and security. Having activated a mutual defense pact with Riyadh following recent attacks, Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to stand by Saudi Arabia.
Japan
The Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the series of attacks by the Houthis, stating that such attacks on civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, offering deep condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Anwar stated, "There can be no justification for attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Endangering innocent lives will only compound the suffering caused by this conflict and spread it into areas that should remain untouched." He added, "Malaysia stands with Saudi Arabia and its people during this difficult time. We hold on to the hope that diplomacy and reason will prevail before the conflict escalates further."
(Sources: Al Jazeera and NDTV)
