Houthi strikes close Riyadh’s main airport and kill at least 13. Trump says he is weighing joining Saudi Arabia against them
Houthi strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 13 people, including one American, and wounded hundreds, CBS News, PBS NewsHour and NBC News reported. The Houthis, an Iran-backed movement in Yemen, claimed the attacks, CBS said, and CBS counted four attacks on the airport in the past week. The airport remained closed. Saudi officials told the AP, via PBS, that drones went first, followed by cruise and ballistic missiles, and the kingdom is investigating how its defenses failed. Reuters reported that the warning system stayed silent. Saudi Arabia has vowed to retaliate and wants U.S. help, CBS reported. CBS also said Trump is weighing U.S. strikes on the Houthis. The U.S. embassy urged caution at Saudi airports. We saw no U.S. decision.
An attack that closes the main airport of the world’s largest oil exporter threatens travel, business and, if Saudi Arabia hits back hard, a wider regional war. A U.S. strike on the Houthis would add a new front to a conflict already pushing up fuel prices.
Anyone with travel plans to Saudi Arabia should check with the airline: Reuters reported cancelled flights. Higher risk in the Gulf can also lift oil and gasoline prices.
Saudi Arabia and its supporters say the attacks on civilians are indefensible and require a firm response.
Cautious voices warn that U.S. involvement could widen the war and draw in Iran.
The next signals are Saudi retaliation, a U.S. decision and a reopening date for the airport. A strike that kills civilians in either direction would harden positions. Treat unsourced casualty counts from either side with care.
DailyDrop U.S. No. 9 · October 13, 2026