Trump says US may join Saudi strikes after Riyadh airport blast

Riyadh airport attack

A loud explosion ripped through King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Witnesses described seeing the blast near gates 3 and 4 of the domestic terminal, and thick smoke billowed from the site. Saudi civil aviation authorities immediately suspended operations, diverted incoming flights and cancelled departures. Kuwait Airways, Etihad, Qatar Airways and several others announced cancellations, while flight‑tracking data showed all flights bound for Riyadh were either diverted or grounded.

Casualties and medical response

Local hospitals reported at least a dozen people injured, including five in intensive care. The exact toll remains unclear, but the consensus across reports is that “dozens” were wounded. Ambulances rushed to the scene, and the Saudi Ministry of Health confirmed that several victims suffered shrapnel injuries from shattered glass.

Trump weighs US involvement

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, said the United States is evaluating whether to join Saudi Arabia’s air campaign against the Houthi rebels. “We may. We’re going to look at it,” he said, adding, “We just found out about the recent attack. So we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.” The comment reflects Washington’s long‑standing partnership with Riyadh and its concern over the growing Houthi missile threat.

Who is behind the strike?

The Houthi movement, an Iran‑aligned rebel group fighting the Saudi‑backed Yemeni government, has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks on Saudi infrastructure. While the group had not immediately claimed this particular blast, a Houthi military spokesperson later said a ballistic missile had been launched toward the airport and hit its target. The incident follows earlier assaults that killed four people and damaged an aircraft earlier in the week.

Diplomatic and travel advisories

Embassies in Riyadh – including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada – issued alerts urging citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas. The U.S. embassy described itself as “aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport” and recommended Americans stay clear of the site. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised travelers to contact their embassies for assistance.

Broader context

The attack comes amid a renewed Saudi‑led coalition offensive in Yemen, launched in early October, aimed at pushing back Houthi advances along the Red Sea. Riyadh is set to host several high‑profile energy and investment conferences later this month, and officials say the events will proceed as planned despite security concerns. The latest strike underscores the expanding front in the Iran‑backed conflict and the pressure on Washington to decide how actively to support its Gulf ally.