Houthis claim attacks on ‘sensitive sites’ in Saudi Arabian capital

Live updates

1. 36d ago

   Houthis Launch Missile and Drone Strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu

   Yemen's Houthi movement has escalated the regional conflict by launching drone and missile attacks targeting sensitive sites in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and energy facilities linked to Aramco in Yanbu. Witnesses near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport observed thick black smoke and flames following the strikes. In response to the heightened security risks, educational institutions in Riyadh transitioned to online learning for a week. The offensive marks a sharp deterioration in regional stability and threatens global energy security.

   Why it matters

   The recent bombardment follows a series of reported Saudi strikes inside Yemen, including an attack on a market in Taiz that the Houthi-run health ministry condemned as a crime. The cross-border violence comes amid a broader regional crisis involving military engagements and diplomatic strain across the Middle East. Security analysts warn that continued attacks on critical infrastructure highlight the persistent vulnerability of Gulf energy networks to external strikes.

   What is confirmed

   • The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
   • Flames and thick black smoke were observed near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport during the attacks.
   • Schools in Riyadh moved online for a week following the security incidents.
   • Saudi authorities reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at the capital.
   • Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles fired toward the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Houthi-run health ministry accused the Saudi Air Force of conducting deadly strikes on a Taiz market and vowed to retaliate.

   What to watch next

   • Further announcements from Saudi authorities regarding air defense interceptions and damage assessments.
   • Any formal diplomatic coordination between regional counterparts or international powers to address the escalation.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. enterpriseam.com — THIS MORNING: Schools in Riyadh move online for a week
   2. en.tempo.co — Yemen: Houthis Report Deadly Saudi Strikes on Taiz Market
   3. www.odnako.org — Riyadh under attack, the Houthis: "We are not at war with Italy"
   4. www.timesnownews.com — Houthis Escalate Saudi War, Claim Strikes on Riyadh and ...
   5. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Houthis say they attacked Riyadh and Aramco facilities in ...
   6. www.energyconnects.com — Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia, Claim to Target Aramco Facilities
   7. www.wionews.com — Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis claim missiles & drones used in ...
   8. www.aa.com.tr — The limits of Washington's security commitment to Saudi Arabia and the future of Gulf security
   9. www.eurasiareview.com — Little Venice, Little Sparta: The UAE’s Statecraft Meets The War On Iran - Analysis - Eurasia Review
   10. transcripts.cnn.com — Trump: More Talks with Iran Expected This Week; 5 Men Held on Suspicion of Terror, Explosives Offenses; T....
   11. gardnermagazine.com — World News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   confidence 95%
2. 43d ago

   Houthis claim strikes on Riyadh sites and shoot down Saudi drone

   Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh during September 2026. On Wednesday, the group also claimed to have shot down a Chinese Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone over Mocha in the Taiz Governorate. The Houthis allege the drone belonged to Saudi Arabia and was conducting hostile missions. These actions follow recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu, which prompted Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah to coordinate with regional counterparts to address rising tensions.

   Why it matters

   G7 foreign ministers are currently calling for Iran to cease weapon supplies to the Houthi movement. This diplomatic pressure coincides with an escalation of kinetic strikes within Saudi territory. The conflict involves the use of advanced reconnaissance technology and strategic targets in the Saudi capital.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Houthis claim they launched strikes targeting sensitive sites in Riyadh in September 2026.
   • Houthi rebels claim they shot down a Saudi Chinese Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone over Mocha in Taiz Governorate.
   • A video circulating online purportedly showing an attack on Riyadh's international airport is actually old footage of a neighborhood fire.

   What to watch next

   • Saudi Arabian government confirmation of the Wing Loong II drone loss.
   • Official Saudi reports on damage to sensitive sites in Riyadh.
   • Further G7 diplomatic actions regarding Iranian weapon transfers.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Old video of Saudi neighbourhood fire falsely linked to recent Houthi attack
   2. www.latestly.com — World News | Yemen: Houthis Claim Chinese Drone 'Wing Loong II' Shot Down Near Mocha
   confidence 60%
3. 44d ago

   G7 Urges Iran to Halt Houthi Support Amid Saudi Talks

   G7 foreign ministers are demanding that Iran stop supplying weapons to the Houthi movement. The joint statement from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States came during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone calls with his counterparts from Kuwait, Egypt, and Turkey to address escalating regional tensions following recent Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh and Yanbu.

   Why it matters

   Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as regional instability spikes following Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including an airport fuel depot and an Aramco facility. Riyadh confirmed a ballistic missile targeted the capital for the first time in the current escalation. International partners are aligning diplomatically to address both the immediate security threats to the kingdom and the underlying sources of rebel military capabilities.

   What is confirmed

   • Foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States issued a statement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly calling on Iran to stop arming the Houthis.
   • Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal held separate phone discussions with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding regional developments.

   What to watch next

   • Any formal Iranian response to the G7 demand regarding Houthi arms supplies
   • Further diplomatic security readouts from Saudi Arabia and its regional allies
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.ariananews.af — G7 foreign ministers call on Iran to stop arming Houthis
   2. news.webindia123.com — Saudi FM discusses regional tensions with counterparts from Kuwait, Egypt, Turkey
   3. www.latestly.com — World News | Saudi FM Discusses Regional Tensions with Counterparts from Kuwait, Egypt, Turkey
   confidence 100%
4. 45d ago

   Houthis claim strikes on sensitive sites in Riyadh

   Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh, including a fuel depot at the capital's airport. Smoke and flames were reported near the airport following air raid alerts, though Saudi civil defence later issued an all-clear. The Houthis also claimed to have targeted an Aramco facility in the Red Sea city of Yanbu. Saudi Arabia confirmed the rebels attempted to strike the capital with a ballistic missile, marking the first such targeting of Riyadh since the recent escalation in fighting.

   Why it matters

   The conflict involves Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. This latest activity opens a new front in the broader Iran war.

   What is confirmed

   • Smoke and flames were seen near the Riyadh airport following air raid alerts.
   • Saudi civil defence issued an all-clear for Riyadh after initial alerts.
   • Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh.
   • Saudi Arabia confirmed Houthi rebels attempted to attack Riyadh with a ballistic missile.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An air attack set a fuel depot ablaze at the Riyadh airport.
   • Houthis targeted an Aramco facility in Yanbu.

   What to watch next

   • Official Saudi damage assessments for the Riyadh airport and Yanbu facilities
   • Details on the specific ballistic missile type used in the Riyadh attack
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Reuters — Saudi civil defence sends all-clear after alerts issued for capital Riyadh
   2. bbc.com — Smoke seen near Riyadh airport after air raid alerts in Saudi capital
   3. The New York Times — Reported Explosions Put Saudi Capital on Edge Amid Conflict With Houthis
   4. WSJ — Air Attack Sets Fuel Depot Ablaze at Airport in Saudi Capital
   5. CNBC — Flames reported near Saudi capital airport as Pakistan presses Iran over energy supplies
   6. The Washington Post — Houthis claim attacks on ‘sensitive sites’ in Saudi Arabian capital
   7. www.scmp.com — Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital, after flames seen near Riyadh airport
   8. www.hotsr.com — Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital, and other Mideast developments
   9. www.three.fm — Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi Arabia's capital after smoke seen rising near airport
   confidence 85%