Houthi missile strikes hit Riyadh and Dammam airports, killing at least 12

Iran‑backed Houthi rebels struck Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on 10 October 2026, killing at least 12 people, including an American, and wounding more than 50.

The attacks arrive after weeks of Houthi missile and drone raids on Saudi aviation infrastructure, which have already claimed dozens of lives and disrupted fuel supplies for both airports. Saudi civil aviation authorities confirmed the second strike in Dammam shortly after the Riyadh incident.

U.S. officials have publicly blamed the Houthis for the attacks and said Washington is evaluating whether to provide material assistance to the Saudi government. President Donald Trump said the United States "may. We're gonna look at it. We move very quickly," signaling a possible shift in U.S. policy toward direct involvement.

Experts note that the strikes underscore a broader pattern of cross‑domain escalation linked to Iran’s pressure campaign against regional partners. One senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies warned that Iran’s proxies are using aviation targets to retaliate against Western sanctions on Iran’s commercial airlines.

Iran’s role remains indirect; the Houthi movement has long received weapons and logistical support from Tehran, and recent reports indicate Iran has restored missile and drone production facilities despite ongoing strikes on its own sites.

Saudi Foreign Minister warned that the Houthi threat could become global, urging airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports while the kingdom prepares possible retaliatory measures.

The United States is expected to finalize its assessment within days, and Saudi officials have said a formal response will be announced after the review.