Trump ‘may’ join Saudi strikes after Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills 12, injures 309

* Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security as Houthis remain silent on latest deadly airport attack

United States President Donald Trump is considering whether Washington will join Saudi Arabia’s military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi movement following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that reportedly killed 12 people and injured 309 others.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Saudi Arabia accusing the Houthis of carrying out the October 10 attack and warning of a decisive response.

Trump said the United States might join Saudi Arabia’s military action and indicated that a decision could come soon. However, he had not announced a decision to participate in offensive operations at the time of reporting.

Muslim News gathered that the crisis has drawn attention to defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, although their positions on possible military action against the Houthis differ in scope.

Trump weighs joining Saudi military strikes

Trump’s remarks followed the reported attack on Riyadh airport, as Washington considered its response to the escalating confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.

According to reports, the US president said he might join Saudi strikes and intended to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Any US decision to participate would mark a significant development in the conflict and could widen the confrontation beyond the existing Saudi-Houthi hostilities.

Riyadh airport attack kills 12, injures 309

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reportedly confirmed that the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh left 12 people dead and 309 injured.

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki blamed the Houthis for the attack, describing it as a war crime and vowing a decisive response in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Houthis yet to claim responsibility for latest attack

The Houthis had not publicly claimed responsibility for the October 10 airport attack at the time of reporting.

The group had, however, claimed responsibility for an earlier attack involving a ballistic missile directed towards the airport on October 8, according to previous reports.

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Saudi security

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country reaffirms “commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security”, while condemning the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as “heinous”.

“Attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and constitute a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” he said.

Türkiye’s role: Defensive support, not confirmed offensive participation

Muslim News investigations revealed that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have intensified security cooperation amid rising regional tensions. However, despite reports circulating about Türkiye’s involvement in military operations against the Houthis, Ankara has not confirmed that it will participate in offensive strikes against the group.

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, said Ankara was assessing how it could help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Houthi attacks, particularly through defensive assistance. He ruled out Turkish participation in offensive operations, according to a Reuters report published on October 8.

Türkiye has also publicly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the kingdom. Its position reflects a distinction between helping Saudi Arabia strengthen its defences and taking part in offensive military action against the Houthis.

The three countries have strengthened their defence cooperation under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026. The agreement is intended to deepen security coordination among its participants.

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