President Donald Trump condemned recent Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, declaring he was not happy
about the attacks that killed several civilians.
Missile Strikes Hit Airports in Riyadh and Abha
Three Saudi citizens died when two separate strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. Among the dead was a pilot for the state-owned carrier Saudia, while several other people of various nationalities sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The strikes caused physical damage to airport facilities and at least one Saudia aircraft. Separate attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha had already claimed three lives and left 36 people injured.
Trump Addresses Houthi Violence at White House
President Donald Trump addressed the surge in violence during a press appearance at the White House on October 10, 2026. The president expressed clear disapproval of the Houthi rebels’ actions, which occurred alongside increasing tensions in the Middle East already reeling from the Iran war and issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Airlines Ground Flights After Riyadh Attacks
Carriers responded to the hostile aerial threat
by grounding flights to ensure passenger and crew safety. Lufthansa Group has suspended services to Riyadh through October 16, and several Indian carriers, including Air India, have also initiated temporary suspensions. An Air India flight en route from Delhi to Riyadh was forced to return to its point of origin. The Saudi Civil Defence issued urgent warnings for residents to remain indoors and away from windows.
Houthis Escalate Attacks Against Saudi Cities and Shipping
The group has increasingly targeted Saudi cities and shipping, having declared a naval blockade of the kingdom in July.
Flight tracking data had noted major problems
at the Riyadh airport following previous air raid alerts.
