Washington to decide on action as deadly airport strike draws global condemnation

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States was looking to join strikes against Yemen's Houthi militia following an attack at Saudi Arabia's main international airport that killed 12 people and injured at least 300.

"We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we'll make a decision," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if the US would be joining the strikes. Trump also said what had happened was "not acceptable".

Trump last week vowed not to conduct any strikes in his country's war against Iran before the Nov 3 midterm elections. The major escalation and increasing security risks could also disrupt Saudi Arabia's plans to host major events and conferences in the coming days.

READ MORE: Saudi authorities: One dead, 11 injured in new attack on Riyadh airport

The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, shared a statement on Sunday blaming the group and vowed to respond decisively against what it called a "terrorist attack".

"It is a heinous act that contradicts all principles, values, and ethics. Therefore, the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will respond decisively to this terrorist attack in accordance with Customary International Humanitarian Law," it said.

The King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remained closed following the attacks, and its closure has been extended until 9 pm on Sunday, according to Saudi authorities.

Meanwhile, schools in the capital would be online until the end of the week, authorities said on Sunday.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia released a follow-up statement on the attack on Sunday, saying the fatalities included four Saudi citizens and one American.

The attack is the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade, sending shock waves and condemnation across the world.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law, and that these attacks must cease immediately.

The Arab League also condemned the attack, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it marked "a dangerous escalation" and expressed "solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people".

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar also issued similar statements rejecting the strikes. Syria's Foreign Ministry issued a statement against the fatal violence and stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia "is an integral part of Syria's own security and that of the region as a whole".

Renewed warning

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea renewed the group's warning to anyone using Saudi airspace.

"The Yemeni armed forces renew their warning to all shipping companies, airlines, experts, employees, workers, and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are exposed to targeting and a theater for operations by our forces, with the exception of the airports of Mecca and Medina," he said.

"They urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions. The armed forces affirm that they are steadfast in establishing the announced equations: airport for airport, siege for siege, and escalation for escalation, until achieving their objectives," he added.

ALSO READ: Saudi-led coalition vows firm response after deadly attack on Riyadh airport

The Houthis reported on Sunday that two airstrikes hit Yemen's capital, Sanaa, blaming Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities or reports of casualties.

In related developments, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday that another oil tanker hit a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz while sailing through an unauthorized route. The mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, said a municipal initiative to stabilize goods prices will be extended nationwide.

"Despite Trump and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's economic war on Iranians, Tehran Municipality launched the 'Zero-Inflation Initiative' to freeze essential goods prices for six months. This economic shield is set to expand nationwide to counter US pressure," he wrote on X.

The municipal program was rolled out last month.

Contact the writers at jan@chinadailyapac.com