'Misbehaving very badly': Trump slams Yemen’s Houthi rebels over Saudi attacks

US President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Yemeni Houthi rebels, describing them as "misbehaving very badly" on Monday. Addressing reporters, Trump stated that he did not believe their attacks were linked to the US midterm elections, adding that he did not consider such matters. He reiterated that Iran would never possess a nuclear weapon, but the Houthi rebels were a significant concern.

The latest series of assaults on Saudi Arabia, including strikes at King Khalid International Airport and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, prompted Trump's comments. The US president had earlier hinted at potential US military involvement in the conflict against the Houthi rebels following the most recent attack on the King Khalid International Airport.

On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition reported successfully intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi militia towards the Khamis Mushait airbase. The coalition spokesman, Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed the interception on X, stating that the missile strikes had been neutralized.

The Saudi Civil Defence agency had previously warned residents of Khamis Mushait Governorate to remain vigilant due to a potential threat from the Houthis. The situation was deemed resolved, and authorities urged residents to adhere to safety protocols without gathering or filming. The emergency helpline number 998 was provided for any concerns.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10, killing 13 people, including an Indian national, and injuring hundreds. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation had initially reported 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, later revised to 13 deaths and a higher number of injuries.

Additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7 resulted in three fatalities and 36 injuries, with temporary suspension of airport operations for inspection and safety assessment.