US President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned Yemen’s Houthi movement over escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia, suggesting he could seek Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s assistance in supporting the kingdom.
Speaking to reporters in Washington on October 13, Trump accused the Iran-backed group of behaving “very badly” as regional tensions intensified amid the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.
His remarks followed a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that have disrupted aviation operations and caused significant casualties.
According to Reuters, the recent attacks killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, prompting restrictions on air traffic over the Saudi capital.
Trump indicated that Washington could turn to Ankara for assistance in addressing the escalating security crisis.
Asked about Turkey’s potential involvement, Trump said he “might” request Erdogan’s intervention to support Saudi interests.
“President Erdogan, I think, would do as I ask,” Trump told reporters.
The comments came as the Houthis intensified operations against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising concerns about maritime security and international trade.
The group, which controls Yemen’s capital Sanaa and large parts of the country, has been fighting the internationally recognised Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, since 2014.
The conflict has escalated amid the wider regional confrontation involving Iran and the United States.
Separately, Erdogan spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, condemning attacks against Saudi territory and expressing Turkey’s support for the kingdom.
According to Turkey’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan offered condolences for the casualties and reaffirmed Ankara’s solidarity with Riyadh.
Trump did not specify what form Turkish involvement might take, and no formal request for Turkish military assistance was announced.
