Trump returns early to White House from Camp David as Houthis attack Riyadh

US President Donald Trump cut short a weekend stay at Camp David and returned to the White House on Saturday as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia heightened concerns about further escalation across the Middle East.

Posts highlighted on X showed Trump leaving the presidential retreat earlier than scheduled, although the White House had not publicly linked the change in plans directly to the attacks at the time.

Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis attempted to strike Riyadh with a ballistic missile. The Saudi-led coalition said the missile was intercepted, while explosions, flames and smoke were reported near the capital’s international airport. No casualties or significant damage were immediately reported.

The Houthis claimed they had targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi authorities also said attacks targeting infrastructure in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan had been thwarted.

The developments came as the US State Department issued renewed security guidance for Americans across the Middle East. The department warned that the regional security environment remained complex and could escalate unexpectedly, urging US citizens to exercise heightened vigilance.

Americans were also advised to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

The State Department currently advises Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia because of armed conflict and terrorism risks.

Trump’s early return to Washington came amid growing concern over the widening confrontation involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. However, no official statement had confirmed that the Riyadh attack was the specific reason for his schedule change, as officials monitored developments across region.