The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has vowed to retaliate following a suspected Houthi missile attack on Riyadh airport on Saturday. The strike killed 12 people and wounded more than 300, leading to the airport's extended closure and schools moving online until Thursday.
Saudi Arabia has attributed the attack, which damaged passenger terminals, to the Iran-allied Houthi rebel movement. The coalition spokesperson, Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki, stated on Saturday night that the coalition "will respond firmly" to the incident.
In response, the Houthis issued a warning on Sunday for airlines, passengers, and staff to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, claiming they are vulnerable to attack. The group stated that "the worst is yet to come" if Saudi military action in Yemen persists.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he is evaluating whether the US could join the military campaign against the Houthis. The US currently provides intelligence cooperation and targeting assistance, with approximately 200 military advisers in Saudi Arabia, but has not directly participated in fighting against the Houthis.
The attack has drawn international condemnation, including from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have issued a joint statement to implement their mutual defence pact, including speeding up military force deployment. The UK has offered defensive military support to Riyadh, providing refuelling for aircraft intercepting Houthi missiles.