Western leaders slam Houthi attack on Riyadh airport, warn citizens to stay away

Western Powers Condemn Houthi Assault on Riyadh Airport as Casualties Surge

UN and EU leaders expressed deep shock and alarm following an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, issuing urgent warnings to nearby civilians. Multiple diplomatic missions have advised their nationals to stay clear of the affected zone.

Issued on: 11/10/2026 – 12:43Modified: 11/10/2026 – 13:08

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply shocked” by the June 10 attack on Riyadh’s airport, which killed 12 people and wounded more than 300, according to aviation authorities. He declared that “attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law,” urging such operations to cease immediately.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the incident a “dangerous escalation,” stating that the Iran-backed group must halt strikes on civilian targets. She warned that these attacks by Iran’s proxies risk pulling the region into an ongoing cycle of violence and threatening critical global transport and energy corridors.

“These murders committed at civilians must stop without delay,” von der Leyen emphasized, adding that the European Union remains in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia during this crisis.

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• A ‘appalling act of terror’: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the assault as an “appalling act of terror,” arguing there can be no justification for indiscriminate strikes on non-combatants and civilian infrastructure. She highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between an EU naval mission in the Red Sea and a Riyadh-led maritime coalition.
• German stance: German Foreign Minister Johann K. Waldegg condemned the raid as “a terrorist act against Saudi Arabia and civil aviation,” sending condolences to the victims’ families while affirming his nation’s steadfast support for Riyadh’s defense efforts.
• UK assessment: UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting described the operation as “contemptible” and noted a pattern of Houthi attacks on civilian sites within Saudi Arabia. He announced additional safeguards, including enhanced air defenses for Saudi jet aircraft operating from the kingdom.
• US reaction: President Donald Trump called the strike “not acceptable” and indicated the United States might consider coordinated retaliatory measures against the Houthis upon further review.

Lightning Offensive by Houthis Triggers Escalation

The attack—Riyadh’s deadliest on Saudi soil in over ten years—marked a stark intensification of the Yemen conflict, coming as the capital mobilized relentless pressure on its own King Khalid International Airport. Earlier that same week, the Houthi militia launched a rapid offensive across Red Sea coastline, seizing multiple coastal segments before seeking reinforcements.

Saturday’s strike resulted in four Saudi nationals, plus residents from Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan, among others. Saudi civil aviation officials reported that 309 wounded were transported to hospitals, many in serious condition. A British man and an Italian citizen also suffered injuries, bringing the total death toll to twelve and the wound count to above three hundred.

Multiple diplomatic missions subsequently warned their citizens to evacuate the airport vicinity and avoid the surrounding metropolitan area. Following an initial alert on Friday, French consular officials urged French nationals to exercise utmost caution given recent Houthi strikes, prohibiting the recording or online sharing of damage sites. On Sunday, the French foreign ministry echoed condemnation, describing the assault as a grave breach and pledging continued solidarity with Riyadh’s territorial defense while demanding the Houthis cease their campaign.

“Appalling act of terror”

EU foreign policy head Kaja Kallas publicly dismissed the operation as an “appalling act of terror,” insisting indiscriminate warfare against non‑combatant populations bears no moral legitimacy. She stressed the necessity of bolstering partnership between an EU‑backed Red Sea navy and a Riyadh‑led maritime coalition to mitigate these threats. Similarly, German Foreign Minister Johann K. Waldegg termed the incident a “terrorist act against Saudi Arabia and civil aviation,” offering personal condolences to the bereaved families while affirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Riyadh’s security measures.

UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting characterized the strike as “contemptible” and warned that it represented a rising pattern of targeting civilian facilities in the Kingdom. He confirmed additional protective initiatives, including expanded aerial defense coverage for Saudi aircraft deployed to protect the nation from Houthi sorties. The United States responded with measured discretion, with President Donald Trump affirming the response was “not acceptable” and indicating the U.S. stood ready to evaluate potential coordinated counter‑operations should further intelligence support such actions.

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