President Donald Trump is considering possible U.S. Military strikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen after a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a missile and drone assault on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300.
Saudi Arabia has opened an investigation into why its air defenses failed to stop the barrage. Officials said drones preceded cruise and ballistic missiles that traveled more than 1,000 kilometers to Riyadh. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for targeting the airport and warned airlines that Saudi airports, apart from those serving Mecca and Medina, were unsafe.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh on Monday, while the airport remained closed and residents in the capital’s financial district were told to work from home. Saudi Arabia has been receiving U.S. Intelligence, target-identification and planning assistance, but Washington had not yet carried out direct attacks on the Houthis. Trump said he had spoken with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was considering whether the United States should intervene, leaving the next military decision unresolved.