Trump leaves Camp David as Riyadh attack escalates

President Donald Trump unexpectedly returned to the White House from Camp David on Saturday, as escalating tensions in the Middle East following a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh prompted his early departure. The attack, which occurred a day before Trump was scheduled to leave the Maryland retreat, coincided with the Saudi-led coalition's claim of intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards the Saudi capital.

Major-General Turki al-Maliki of the coalition reported that Houthi forces also targeted civilians and infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group carried out two operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, targeting sensitive sites in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

Riyadh residents were warned of a hostile aerial threat and advised to stay indoors before 3 am, with explosions heard and smoke seen near King Khalid International Airport, though no casualties or damage were reported. The attack marked the first time Riyadh had faced such a threat since the renewed Saudi-Yemen conflict intensified this year.

The US State Department warned the conflict could rapidly escalate and advised Americans to reconsider travel to the region due to the risks of missile and drone attacks. Washington's involvement in the conflict remains uncertain, as the United States has avoided joining Saudi military operations against the Houthis despite mounting pressure.

The escalation raises the possibility of further attacks on Saudi territory, oil infrastructure, or shipping, which could force the Trump administration to reconsider its stance. The conflict's economic consequences extend beyond Yemen, as Saudi Arabia is a major oil exporter, and attacks on facilities in Yanbu or disruption around the Red Sea could impact energy markets and commercial shipping.

Over 110,000 people have been displaced in Yemen due to the fighting, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in the already heavily reliant country on aid. UN officials have urged the parties to avoid actions that may further expand the conflict and to preserve the possibility of a political solution.