US President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering joining Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels following the deadly attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Asked whether the United States would participate in Saudi strikes against the group, Trump said, “We may. We’re gonna look at it.” He added that his administration had only just received information about the attack and would make a decision quickly. Trump also said he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, saying they demonstrated a “blatant disregard for innocent civilian life” and declaring that they “must stop now”.
Rubio confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed in Saturday’s strike, which Saudi authorities said killed 12 people and injured 309 others. He reaffirmed Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
The comments came as Saudi Arabia extended the closure of Riyadh’s airport following another attack on Sunday, which killed a Pakistani national and injured 11 others. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to reports by The Associated Press.
As of October 12, Trump had publicly left open the possibility of US military involvement, but the reports reviewed did not establish that he had made a final decision to join the Saudi campaign.
(cbsnews)