Saudi-Led Coalition Vows Decisive Response After Deadly Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has vowed to “respond decisively” following a Houthi attack on Riyadh that resulted in 12 deaths and left more than 300 individuals wounded. Maj Gen Turki Al Malik, the coalition spokesman, condemned the strike on King Khalid International Airport, which occurred on Saturday, labeling it “a full-fledged war crime according to the customary international humanitarian law.”

Speaking on Sunday morning, Maj Gen Turki Al Malik described the incident as a heinous act that violates all principles, values, and ethics, confirming that the coalition will formulate its response in strict accordance with international humanitarian law. Following the initial closure of the airport as a precautionary measure on Saturday, authorities on Sunday extended the shutdown by an additional 24 hours until 1am local time on Monday, as reported by the flight-tracking platform Flightradar24. Passengers have been strongly advised to check directly with their airlines for ongoing updates.

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington might join Saudi Arabia in retaliatory strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis following the attack, which tragically claimed the life of an American citizen. When asked if the United States would actively participate in any Saudi-led action, Mr Trump remarked that they might look into the situation and make a swift decision.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the strike, emphasizing that it claimed numerous innocent lives, including that of an American citizen. Writing on X, Mr Rubio stated that these reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life and must stop immediately, adding that Washington stands in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep shock over the attack, calling for an immediate halt to all strikes targeting civilians and vital civilian infrastructure. He warned that such actions are direct violations of international law. UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg characterized the latest series of attacks as a grave escalation that threatens regional security, perpetuates ongoing violence, and further complicates delicate peace efforts in Yemen, urging the Houthis to cease hostilities immediately.

Governments across the region and internationally quickly rallied behind Riyadh. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack completely unacceptable, reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering solidarity with the kingdom and its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. Similarly, Qatar described the strike as a grave violation of Saudi sovereignty, stressing the integral connection between the kingdom's security and that of the broader Gulf Co-operation Council states.

Jordan also condemned the incident, confirming that one Jordanian citizen was killed and four others were wounded. Kuwait echoed these sentiments, condemning the blatant assault by the Houthis through the state-run Kuwait News Agency and renewing its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia while urging the international community to take a firm stance. The Netherlands joined the chorus of condemnation, with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen expressing condolences and affirming full solidarity with the people of Saudi Arabia and Gulf partners following strikes on multiple regional airports. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney likewise labeled the attacks abhorrent, emphasizing that civilian infrastructure must never be targeted.

Domestic criticism in the United States emerged as well, with US Democratic Senator Chris Murphy blaming the situation on Mr Trump. Writing on X, Mr Murphy stated that the event represents a full regional war started by Donald Trump for no good reason, reinforcing that civilian airports should never be targeted and that the campaign of terror by the Houthis must come to an end.