US Strongly Condemns Attack on Saudi Arabia After American Citizen Is Killed

WASHINGTON, October 11, 2026— U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, confirming that an American citizen was killed in the deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities said the attack killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, intensifying concerns over regional security.

Rubio Condemns Attacks and Offers Condolences

In a statement issued on October 10, Rubio said the United States strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

He confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed, describing the attacks as reprehensible and accusing the perpetrators of showing a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life.

“These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now,” Rubio said.

He also reaffirmed Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia and its people and extended condolences to the victims and their families.

The death of an American citizen has brought additional attention from Washington to the deteriorating security situation in Saudi Arabia and the potential implications for U.S. policy in the region.

Riyadh Airport Attack Leaves 12 Dead and 309 Injured

Saudi aviation authorities reported that the October 10 attack killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others. Several of the injured were in critical condition and were receiving medical treatment.

The fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

The attack also damaged airport property and prompted a temporary suspension of airport operations while officials assessed the damage and reviewed safety conditions.

Media reports described the incident as the third attack on King Khalid International Airport within a week. The repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about aviation security and disrupted travel in the kingdom.

Trump Calls Attack Unacceptable

U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned the attack, describing what happened in Saudi Arabia as unacceptable. He said he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following the incident.

Asked whether the United States might join Saudi-led military operations against the Houthis, Trump said Washington was considering the possibility but did not announce a final decision.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government blamed the Houthis for the attack and vowed a firm response. Coalition officials said the strike targeted the airport’s passenger area and caused civilian casualties.

Further details about potential military action and the next steps by the parties involved have yet to be fully established.

Escalating Regional Conflict Raises International Concerns

The attack comes amid intensifying military confrontations in Yemen and the wider Middle East. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have been locked in a prolonged conflict, and repeated attacks on infrastructure have heightened concerns about the security of civilian facilities.

Washington’s condemnation and confirmation of an American fatality could increase pressure for closer security coordination between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, airport disruptions and flight changes have created uncertainty for passengers and airlines operating in the region.

Analysts say the next phase will depend on how Saudi Arabia and its partners respond and whether the parties involved can prevent further escalation. Governments and international observers are closely monitoring developments and their potential consequences for regional stability and civilian aviation.