World condemns deadly Riyadh Airport attack as Trump weighs military action
The United States, Qatar, Egypt, Japan and several other countries have condemned the deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, as US President Donald Trump considers joining Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The attack on Saturday, 10 October, killed 12 people and injured 309, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The victims included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Sudan.
Yemenite Houthis attacked the international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia There are mass casualties reported https://t.co/DnqiJgaple
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) October 10, 2026
Saudi Arabia blamed the Iran-backed Houthis for the strike, which targeted a passenger terminal and temporarily halted airport operations. The group had not claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack at the time of reporting.
The incident, the third attack on the airport in a week, prompted diplomatic condemnation and security warnings for foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia.
US considers joining Saudi military operations
Trump described the attack as «terrible» and said he intended to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Asked whether Washington would join Saudi Arabia’s military operations against the Houthis, Trump said the administration was considering the option and would make a decision quickly.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the strike, confirming that an American citizen was among those killed. He called for an end to the attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the victims’ families.
Reporter: What is your position on the Houthi (Ansarallah) attack on Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia? Trump: Not good. It’s not a good thing. I’m not happy about it. https://t.co/YxElyPetjI
— Tabz (@TabzLIVE) October 9, 2026
The possibility of direct US involvement marks a potentially significant development in the conflict, although Washington had not announced a decision to intervene.
The US Embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas following the attack.
Qatar, Pakistan and other regional powers back Riyadh
Several Middle Eastern governments expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, although their responses differed over how the crisis should be handled.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security, civilian infrastructure and aviation. Doha also backed Saudi Arabia’s right to take legitimate measures to protect its territory.
Pakistan condemned the strike as an act of terrorism and reiterated its support for Riyadh. Its response comes after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey activated a mutual defence arrangement earlier this week in response to attacks on Saudi territory.
Videos shared with us show that around two hours ago, the fire alarm went off at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Blood can also be seen on the ground, along with a large emergency response at the scene. https://t.co/ur6KM0Kpqn
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) October 10, 2026
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry denounced the attacks as violations of international law. Jordan’s King Abdullah offered condolences to Saudi leaders, while the Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the strike as a dangerous escalation.
Oman, meanwhile, called for restraint and warned against actions that could expand the conflict. Its statement placed greater emphasis on preventing further regional escalation.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.
Japan, India and Canada condemn attacks on civilian infrastructure
Japan’s embassy in Saudi Arabia condemned the repeated Houthi attacks on airports and other civilian facilities, stressing that attacks targeting civilians were unacceptable.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the strikes and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. New Delhi emphasised regional stability and the safety of Indian nationals living in the kingdom.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attacks as «abhorrent» and rejected any justification for targeting civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, British, Irish and Canadian diplomatic missions issued security advisories to their nationals in Saudi Arabia. The warnings advised travellers to avoid King Khalid International Airport amid continuing security concerns.
The Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in particular the strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, are abhorrent. There can be no justification for attacks on civilian infrastructure. No political or military objective can justify the deliberate targeting of innocent people. Canada condemns these reckless acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wish a full recovery to those injured.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 11, 2026
The attacks have also disrupted international aviation, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights serving the Saudi capital.
UN warns attacks could undermine peace efforts in Yemen
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international law.
I am deeply shocked by & strongly condemn Saturday’s lethal attack by the Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 people & injured hundreds of civilians. Attacks on civilians & civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. These attacks must cease immediately.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 11, 2026
Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, called the strikes on Saudi civilian airports a grave escalation and warned that continued attacks would undermine efforts to end the war.
The diplomatic reaction comes as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives Saudi military support.
The Houthis have previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi airports, including a strike on Riyadh on Thursday, 8 October. However, responsibility for Saturday’s deadly attack had not been formally claimed by the group at the time of reporting.
Saudi Arabia’s military coalition has vowed to respond to the latest strike, while international governments continue to monitor the security situation and its implications for regional aviation.
