Trump Weighs U.S. Role in Saudi Action Against Houthis

President Donald Trump said Saturday the United States may join Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen’s Houthi movement, but he announced no decision on U.S. participation. His remarks followed attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia that killed an American citizen and other people over the weekend. Asked by reporters at the White House whether U.S. forces could take part, Trump said the administration would consider the possibility and decide quickly. He also said he would review whether the airport attack would affect his previously stated position on potential U.S. strikes against Iran before the midterm elections. No final decision on either question was reported by Tuesday. The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia urged Americans on Monday, October 12, to exercise extreme caution at major airports after the weekend attacks. The embassy said an American citizen was among those killed in Saturday’s strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Reports differed on the weekend death toll and responsibility for the initial Riyadh strike. One account reported 12 people killed there, including the American citizen.