'Flagrant violation of int'l law': World leaders rally behind Riyadh after Houthi airport strike

"We may. We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we'll make a decision," US President Donald Trump said. "We move very quickly."Follow us on GoogleLarge plume of black smoke rises from the fuel storage area at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 19, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.(photo credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)OCTOBER 11, 2026 09:25Members of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement condemned the recent Houthi attack on Riyadh's international airport, which left at least 12 people dead and over 300 wounded, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling the Houthis’ actions a “flagrant violation of international law” that must be stopped immediately.“Attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and constitute a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” Sharif stated, extending condolences to those wounded and the bereaved families.“Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and brotherly people.”“In accordance with the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and the enduring bonds of brotherhood between our two countries, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.”“In accordance with the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and the enduring bonds of brotherhood between our two countries, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.”Smoke and flames rise from King Khalid Airport, after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said they attacked the airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 8, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. (credit: Social Media/via REUTERS)Turkey’s Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the strikes and wishing a quick recovery to the wounded.Calling for an immediate end to the strikes, “which target civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Turkey reaffirmed its “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated our call for the resolution of ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”'Attack on Saudi Arabia is an attack on Yemen'The Saudi-backed head of Yemen's Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, denounced the attack on Riyadh’s airport in his own post, extending his condolences to those wounded and the families of those killed.“This criminal attack reflects the Houthis’ terrorist nature and their disregard for civilian lives and the interests of the Yemeni people,” wrote Alimi. “This comes as Saudi Arabia continues its fraternal support for Yemen’s economy, public budget, and citizens’ welfare, including recent facilities for Yemeni residents.”“The security of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and the interests of their peoples, are intertwined. Any attack on Saudi Arabia is an attack on our security, interests, and the future of our generations.”“We reaffirm our shared resolve to continue the ‘Dawn of Yemen' Operation to end the terrorist threat and restore state institutions, whatever the sacrifices,” he said.The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as well, “considering them a grave violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security, the safety of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and air navigation.”It reiterated Qatar’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing “that the security of Saudi Arabia is an integral part of Qatar's security and the collective security system of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States.”Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also condemned the attack in their own X posts.Trump weighing joining Saudi retaliation against HouthisUS President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, was asked whether Washington planned to join Saudi strikes on the Houthis."We may. We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we'll make a decision. We move very quickly," he said.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, saying they "demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life."“I am deeply shocked by & strongly condemn Saturday’s lethal attack by the Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 people & injured hundreds of civilians,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres in an X post.“Attacks on civilians & civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. These attacks must cease immediately.”Reuters contributed to this report.Follow us on Google