Trump weighs joining the fight against Houthis after Saudi capital's airport is struck again

Saturday marked another day of assault on Saudi Arabia's international airports as the kingdom confronts a series of attacks linked to the Iran war. President Donald Trump is considering whether the U.S. should join Saudi Arabia in striking the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility for strikes on King Khalid International Airport earlier in the week, killing three Saudis, including a pilot.

On Saturday, a missile struck a complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights, causing injuries to many people. President Trump expressed that they will "make a decision" regarding intervention, as the attack was recently discovered. The Saudi-led coalition has intensified military operations against the Houthis since last week, targeting their airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure.

No immediate statement was issued by the rebels, who accused Saudi Arabia of attacking Sanaa International Airport in the Yemeni capital. Saudi civil aviation authorities suspended airport operations until midnight, with flights diverted to other locations. Countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, and Canada advised citizens to avoid the airport.

The Saudi energy ministry maintained a major international energy conference set to begin in Riyadh the following day. Fighting in Yemen has escalated, with the Saudi-led coalition providing air support for government forces as they seek to reverse recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea. Concerns about wider attacks persist, as the Houthis have stated they are targeting Saudi shipping in retaliation for a blockade imposed on them.

U.S. bombing efforts have limited Houthi attacks on ships after the war in Gaza began. Saudi Arabia is seeking air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt, as their stock of missile interceptors is dwindling. The Saudi foreign minister and Omani counterpart spoke by phone on Saturday about the importance of diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region.