Muslim American leader Anila Ali, President and CEO of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), has publicly denounced what she called the “shameful” silence from much of the Muslim world following the deadly Houthi missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, urging every Muslim leader and institution to condemn the attack loudly and unequivocally.

In a post on X, Ali said Saudi Arabia is “the heart of Islam, home to our two holiest mosques,” and that an attack on it demands a response from across the Muslim world. She tagged the Saudi Embassy spokesperson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Al Arabiya English, the Arab League Secretary-General, and Saudi foreign ministry accounts.

“Political differences can never justify silence in the face of terrorism and violence.” — Anila Ali, AMMWEC

The Attack Behind the Appeal

The Saturday attack, described as the deadliest on Saudi soil in more than a decade, struck a complex of domestic terminals at the capital’s main international airport, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 300, some critically. Operations at the airport were suspended.

According to Saudi civil aviation authorities, victims included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.

On Sunday, the Iran-backed Houthis launched another attack on the same terminal complex. Saudi authorities reported additional injuries and a fire after an unidentified projectile struck the facility, which had remained closed since the previous day’s strike. The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks and other strikes in the kingdom, warning airlines and passengers to stay away from Saudi airports and airspace.

Other Condemnations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned the attack in a statement on X, calling it a “horrific terrorist attack” and extending condolences “on behalf of the people of Israel.” The public Israeli condemnation was notable given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the assault on the civilian airport.

“Terrorism targets innocent people and seeks to spread fear and instability. It must be confronted with resolve.” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Ali’s post stands out for directing its challenge at Muslim-majority governments and institutions, arguing that the kingdom’s role as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites makes condemnation a matter of moral clarity regardless of political differences.