Riyadh Airport Attack Sparks Global Condemnation

The deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has drawn widespread international condemnation, with world leaders and governments warning of growing threats to regional security.

At least 12 people were killed and 309 others injured in Saturday's attack, according to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation. The dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

The attack, described as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade, came amid escalating fighting between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement and forces aligned with the internationally recognised Yemeni government. Saudi Arabia has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis in support of the Yemeni government's ground offensive.
Global leaders condemn the attack

United States

US President Donald Trump described the attack as “terrible” and said he would speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto leader.

Trump also said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi Arabia's military campaign against the Houthis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen had been killed in the attack and strongly condemned the violence, calling for an end to the attacks. He also expressed condolences to the victims and their families and reaffirmed Washington's support for Saudi Arabia.

United Nations

Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, described the attack as a grave escalation.

In a statement, he warned that deadly strikes on civilian airports posed a serious threat to regional security, perpetuated cycles of violence and further complicated efforts to secure peace in Yemen.

Egypt and Qatar

Egypt's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a flagrant violation of international law and an indication of disregard for civilian safety.

Qatar also condemned the strike, calling it a serious violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security, civilian safety and air navigation.

Doha expressed full solidarity with Riyadh and said it supported any legitimate measures Saudi Arabia might take to protect its sovereignty and security.

Palestine and Japan

The Palestinian government expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its support for measures to protect the kingdom's sovereignty, security and residents.

Japan's embassy in Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the repeated attacks, stressing that assaults on civilians were unacceptable.

The international reactions reflect growing concern that the escalating conflict involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia could further destabilise the region and undermine diplomatic efforts to restore peace in Yemen.