Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks Towards Riyadh

The Saudi-led coalition has reported intercepting a drone and 11 ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards the capital, Riyadh, and other southern regions of Saudi Arabia. These incidents occurred amidst an intensification of fighting in Yemen.

Major-General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition spokesman, stated that a ballistic missile and a drone targeting Riyadh, as well as a cruise missile aimed at the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, were destroyed on Sunday morning. Later, it was announced that 10 more ballistic missiles fired towards southern Saudi Arabia were also intercepted.

Highlights

• Saudi Arabia announced it intercepted a drone and a ballistic missile attack targeting Riyadh.
• An additional 10 ballistic missiles launched towards the south of the country were successfully destroyed.
• The attacks took place after flights resumed at two terminals of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
• The Houthis claimed that Riyadh Airport remains "unsafe" and constitutes a "military target."
• Fighting between Houthi and government forces has intensified across multiple fronts in Yemen in recent weeks.

Details

These attacks occurred as operations resumed at two terminals of Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport, following a deadly Houthi attack on October 10. That earlier assault resulted in 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that the airport remains "unsafe" and a "military target" for the group, advising international airlines and travelers against using it.

On Saturday, the Houthis claimed to have targeted three Saudi airports, including one in Riyadh, along with energy installations, a pipeline, and an airbase. The Saudi civil defense agency reported responding to falling debris in the Mecca and Medina regions after intercepting two Houthi missiles. However, the Houthis denied targeting Mecca and Medina, calling the Saudi claim a "huge lie."

Why it matters

The escalating war in Yemen is deepening a humanitarian crisis, while Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are disrupting the kingdom's operations, airlines, and daily life. These assaults also damage the international image of Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, and heighten regional tensions. The United Nations has warned that "time is running out" to deliver aid to the 800,000 people trapped in the city of Taiz.