Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports Kill at Least 13, Including an American, Raising Questions About U.S. Retaliation
A devastating Houthi missile strike on a Saudi airport has killed at least 13 people, including an American citizen, and wounded over 300 others, some critically. Saturday’s attack, the deadliest on Saudi soil in more than a decade, marks a major escalation in the war between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, further complicating sputtering efforts to halt the conflict. The strike targeted an airport in southern Saudi Arabia, underscoring the Houthis’ growing capability to reach deep into the kingdom.
The surge in attacks, including against other Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure, has come in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthis. In a separate maritime incident, the Barbados-flagged vessel True Confidence was abandoned after a Wednesday attack that inflicted significant damage. An aerial photograph showed significant damage to the bridge and accommodation at the stern of the stricken vessel, on the port side. Indian sailors provided critical medical aid to the injured and evacuated them to Djibouti on Wednesday evening, according to a spokesperson.
Meanwhile, U.S. naval forces have been targeted in intense attacks in the Red Sea. On November 11, during a transit of the Bab al-Mandab strait, two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Spruance (DDG 111), part of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, were targeted by multiple attacks organized by Iranian-backed Houthi forces. The assault included at least eight one-way attack drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, according to U.S. defense officials. Although the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), recently present in the Gulf of Aden, was nearby, it was not directly targeted. U.S. fleet ships successfully responded and neutralized the threats without registering any injuries or damage.
The use of an underwater drone by the Houthis was highlighted as significant by a U.S. officer, indicating an evolving threat. These attacks raise pressing questions about potential U.S. retaliation and the broader implications for regional stability. As tensions escalate, the
Shimanta Das 
