The recent attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Riyadh’s international airport have escalated tensions in the Middle East. On Saturday, Saudi officials reported that at least 12 people lost their lives, with around 300 others injured, marking the deadliest incident in the region in over a decade.

The casualties included nationals from several countries: four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and individuals from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt, as stated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

Context of the Conflict

The Houthi rebels continue their persistent offensive against forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, compounding the ongoing conflict in Yemen. In response, Saudi Arabia has intensified its air campaign to support Yemeni ground forces in their struggle against the Iran-backed Houthi faction.

International Responses

United States

US President Donald Trump characterized the attacks as “terrible” and announced plans to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding potential American involvement in the conflict. “We may. We’re gonna look at it… We’ll move very quickly,” he commented.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the attack’s impact on American citizens, urging an end to what he termed “reprehensible attacks,” while expressing condolences to the victims’ families.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep shock and condemnation of the Houthis’ actions, asserting that assaults on civilians violate international law. Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, called these attacks a “grave escalation” that threatens regional security and undermines peace efforts.

Regional Responses

Egypt

The Egyptian government condemned the Houthi attacks, framing them as a blatant violation of international law and showing a disregard for civilian safety.

Qatar

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the attack a severe breach of Saudi sovereignty and expressed solidarity with Riyadh while supporting all legitimate measures the kingdom undertakes to safeguard its security.

Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “heinous attack,” declaring that targeting civilians and vital infrastructure is unacceptable and endangers regional stability.

Jordan

King Abdullah of Jordan offered condolences to the Saudi leadership and condemned the “brutal aggression” of the Houthis as a significant breach of international law.

Oman

Oman called for restraint and emphasized the importance of prioritizing wisdom to prevent further escalation in the region.

Palestine and Syria

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, affirming support for its security measures, while Syria urged the international community to take decisive action against such attacks that threaten regional stability.

Global Condemnation

Countries like India, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia also vocally condemned the attacks. Japan highlighted that assaults on civilians are intolerable, while Canada’s Prime Minister labeled the Houthi actions “abhorrent.” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unequivocally denounced the targeting of civilians.