Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a warning of a “painful response” should the United States enter the ongoing conflict in the region, amid escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and rising tensions across the Gulf.
The Houthis, engaged in a civil war against the Saudi-backed internationally recognized Yemeni government, have intensified assaults on Saudi facilities, including lethal strikes on airports and military bases. On October 10, a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh killed at least 12 people and wounded hundreds, marking one of the deadliest incidents on Saudi soil in years. The strikes have resulted in widespread flight suspensions by several airlines, including Lufthansa, Air India, IndiGo, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air.
Following the attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Houthis for “misbehaving very badly” but stopped short of detailing any immediate U.S. military involvement. Trump indicated that the U.S. was “going to look at” the possibility of joining Saudi-led operations against the Houthis, following earlier requests from Saudi Arabia for American assistance. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh cautioned government employees and citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding travel and urged authorization before using airports within the kingdom.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior official in the Houthi political bureau, stated that if the U.S. intervenes directly in Yemen’s conflict, it would face a swift and severe retaliation targeting American interests throughout the region. Al-Bukhaiti further declared Saudi oil facilities and airports as “legitimate targets,” advising workers to avoid such sites, and emphasized that the Houthis hold Saudi Arabia responsible for civilian casualties due to Riyadh’s continued airport operations despite warnings of no-fly zones imposed by the Houthis.
The Saudi-led coalition confirmed continued intercepting of Houthi missiles and drones, including recent strikes targeting the southern city of Khamis Mushait and the military base there. In response to expanding conflict zones within Yemen, the coalition announced plans to issue evacuation orders for civilians in parts of Sanaa, the capital under Houthi control, indicating a possible imminent offensive. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that any such strikes on Sanaa would provoke harsh retaliatory attacks against Riyadh.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman characterized the recent attacks as a serious test of the kingdom’s resilience and infrastructure, pledging a commensurate response. The climate of fear has permeated Riyadh, with government alerts warning of aerial threats and public events disrupted amid ongoing security concerns.
The conflict, which began escalating notably in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa, has drawn in regional and international players, entrenching a humanitarian crisis in Yemen while destabilizing Gulf security and energy markets. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reaffirmed the importance of sovereignty and diplomatic dialogue in the Gulf, calling for increased efforts to protect shipping lanes and critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iran, perceived as a supporter of the Houthis, stated it is pursuing diplomatic channels to address sanctions and international concerns.
Human rights officials have expressed alarm over the renewed violence and civilian suffering on both sides, urging restraint to prevent further regional destabilization. Analysts note the difficulties for Saudi Arabia in defending its extensive borders and critical assets against persistent asymmetric attacks by Houthis, who aim to pressure Riyadh by extending the conflict beyond Yemeni territory.