World · Middle East · 1 day ago
Houthi attack on Riyadh airport puts pressure on Trump’s strategy
A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people, including one American, and injured others.
The Houthis are fighting Saudi Arabia, and the attack has raised doubts about Saudi defences because the missiles travelled about 900 kilometres and reached their target.
The United States has maintained a ceasefire with the Houthis since 2025, and renewed it after fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis resumed in the summer.
US President Donald Trump had rejected Saudi appeals for help twice, while his strategy left Saudi Arabia and regional partners to handle the Houthis.
He has also blamed rising diesel prices on Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, although the article argues the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are the main causes.
The attack may make it harder for Trump to avoid deeper US involvement, while his approach to Russian energy has also alarmed European officials.
A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has put pressure on Donald Trump’s strategy for handling the Iran war and its effects.
The attack took place on Saturday and killed 12 people, including one American, according to the Guardian.
The article says the missiles were fired from about 900km away and reached their target.
Trump’s approach included blaming rising diesel prices on Ukraine and leaving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan largely to deal with the Houthis.
Critics cited in the article say the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, not Ukraine’s actions, drove the price rise.
- Who
- Houthi forces carried out the attack. The article says 12 people died, including one American.
- What
- A missile attack struck King Khalid International Airport.
- When
- Saturday; the article does not give a calendar date for the attack.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Not stated.
Trump’s strategy
Critics of Trump’s strategy
Diesel prices
Trump’s strategy
Trump blamed rising diesel prices on Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries.
Critics of Trump’s strategy
Boris Johnson said the price spike began with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; the article says Europeans attribute inflation to the Iran war.
Security responsibility
Trump’s strategy
Trump’s approach left Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan largely to deal with the Houthis.
Critics of Trump’s strategy
The article argues Saudi Arabia may not be able to defend itself without US support after the attack.
Trump’s plan for addressing rising diesel prices and the political effects of the Iran war was unveiled.
Houthi missiles struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Deaths
- 12, including one American
- Target
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Missile range
- About 900km
- Houthi ceasefire with US
- In place since 2025
- Russian share of seaborne diesel
- About 12%
What people are saying
It is sickening that the USA is now lifting sanctions on Russian fuel, and transparently ridiculous to blame Ukraine for the spike in prices that obviously began with the closure of the strait of Hormuz.
For a few liters of diesel. What moral bankruptcy.
Sources
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