US warns Mideast war could 'escalate rapidly' after Riyadh missile attack
RIYADH: The United States warned that fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could “escalate rapidly” after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed.
President Donald Trump hastily returned from Camp David to the White House after a missile attack on Riyadh marked Saudi Arabia's first such incident since the Yemen conflict resumed. The US State Department cautioned that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could rapidly escalate, advising American citizens to reconsider travel to the region.
The attack caused explosions and a burning fuel tank near Riyadh's airport, disrupting the world's leading crude oil supplier, Saudi Arabia, and maritime traffic. The US denied a Saudi request to strike the Houthis but approved a $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets. US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, emphasizing the importance of resolving regional crises through diplomatic means.
Saudi Arabia scrambled to contain the fallout of the attack, intercepting and destroying a Houthi missile while thwarting other efforts targeting civilians and infrastructure. Iran has conveyed conditions to the US for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since the Middle East war began.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Trump leaves Camp David as Riyadh attack escalates thearabianpost.com
