Trump cancels weekend trip as Houthi crisis deepens

President Donald Trump abruptly ended a weekend at Camp David, returning to the White House amid intensifying hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities intercepted a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh, while the Houthis claimed to have targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu with missile and drone assaults.

Smoke was seen near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, but there were no reported casualties. The US State Department cautioned that the crisis could "escalate rapidly," and American missions across the region advised citizens to prepare for potential disruptions. Security experts believe Trump's weekend retreat to the White House was intended for "deliberation and review" of Yemen strike options, though this has not been confirmed by the White House.

Trump's sudden return and the latest alerts have sparked speculation. Despite Houthi representatives reportedly promising not to target American, Israeli, or other commercial ships, the group exempted Saudi vessels from this pledge. The ceasefire signed between the US and Houthis last May remains unfulfilled, and Washington has maintained an unusual communication channel with the rebels.

With the Houthis capturing the Red Sea port of Mokha and advancing along Yemen's western coast, the US has less incentive to intervene on Riyadh's behalf. Saudi Arabia has requested more military and intelligence assistance, but the US has provided only intelligence support so far. The potential US response could trigger a broader conflict, particularly if it involves striking Houthis' missile, drone, and command infrastructure, which might also exacerbate the already tense situation with Iran.