Houthis say they targeted Saudi capital with ballistic missiles
Saudi air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Tuesday after the National Early Warning Platform issued a danger alert for the city. Residents reported hearing explosions across the capital despite the successful interception. The strike follows previous Houthi missile and drone attacks that targeted King Khalid International Airport and an air base in Khamis Mushait, which resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree previously warned international carriers to avoid Saudi airspace, excluding Makkah and Madinah.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Saudi forces intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Tuesday.
- ✓ Blasts were heard in Riyadh despite the Saudi interception of the Houthi missiles.
- ✓ The Saudi civil defence issued a warning via the National Early Warning Platform in Riyadh City for a potential danger.
What changed
Saudi forces intercepted a newly launched Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Tuesday.
Live updates
-
Saudi Forces Intercept Houthi Ballistic Missile Aimed at Riyadh
Saudi air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Tuesday after the National Early Warning Platform issued a danger alert for the city. Residents reported hearing explosions across the capital despite the successful interception. The strike follows previous Houthi missile and drone attacks that targeted King Khalid International Airport and an air base in Khamis Mushait, which resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree previously warned international carriers to avoid Saudi airspace, excluding Makkah and Madinah.
Why it matters
This escalation threatens broader regional stability and commercial aviation routes across the Middle East. The repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure in Riyadh demonstrates the persistent range and capability of Houthi missile systems despite coalition interception efforts.
What is confirmed
- Saudi forces intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Tuesday.
- Blasts were heard in Riyadh despite the Saudi interception of the Houthi missiles.
- The Saudi civil defence issued a warning via the National Early Warning Platform in Riyadh City for a potential danger.
What to watch next
- Statements from international airlines regarding further airspace suspensions
- Official coalition casualty or damage assessments from the Tuesday interception
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- time.com — How Trump’s Policies Are Testing Farmers’ Loyalty Ahead of Midterms
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Saudi says intercepted Houthi missile, blasts heard in capital
- www.dailysabah.com — Blasts heard in Riyadh despite Saudi interception of Houthi missiles | Daily Sabah
- www.24newshd.tv — Saudi Arabia says intercepted Houthi missile, blasts heard in capital - 24NewsHD
-
Houthis Target Saudi Capital With Ballistic Missiles
Yemeni Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the air base in Khamis Mushait. The strikes resulted in three deaths, including an airline pilot, and left several people of different nationalities wounded at Riyadh airport. Saudi-led coalition forces reported intercepting ballistic missiles north of Riyadh, while international airlines suspended flights to the Saudi capital. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned international carriers to avoid Saudi airspace, excluding the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Why it matters
The escalation marks a dangerous expansion of the regional conflict, with Houthi forces targeting vital infrastructure and aviation hubs inside Saudi Arabia. The attacks have triggered investigations by Saudi officials into air defense performance after projectiles bypassed high-tech defense systems. The conflict stems from a broader proxy war involving the Iran-aligned Houthi administration in northern Yemen and the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government.
What is confirmed
- Three people were killed in Houthi-claimed attacks on Saudi airports, according to Saudi officials.
- An airline pilot was among three Saudi citizens killed in attacks targeting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, the kingdom's civil aviation authority stated.
- The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile north of Riyadh.
- Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile.
Still unconfirmed
- US President Trump stated that the United States may join the attacks.
What to watch next
- Results of the Saudi investigation into air defense failures against incoming ballistic missiles
- Decisions by international airlines on whether to resume flight operations to the Saudi capital
- Potential retaliatory military actions by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (36)
- www.aljazeera.com — Houthis | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.theguardian.com — Who are the Houthis – explained in 30 seconds - The Guardian
- en.wikipedia.org — Houthi-controlled Yemen - Wikipedia
- www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
- www.koreaherald.com — Saudi coalition says intercepted missile fired by Yemen's Houthis
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Attacks on Saudi airports claimed by Houthi rebels kill 3 people, officials say
- tribune.com.pk — Saudi-led coalition intercepts two Houthi missiles fired towards Riyadh, says spokesperson
- www.cp24.com — Airport attacks in Riyadh: 3 killed, Saudi officials say
- www.theguardian.com — Houthis claim attack on Riyadh airport as airlines suspend flights to Saudi capital | Saudi Arabia
- www.euronews.com — Breaking news. - Houthis claim missile strike on Riyadh airport as explosions heard in Saudi capital | Eu....
- www.4029tv.com — Airport in Saudi capital has been attacked again, officials say - KHBS
- www.hindustantimes.com — Yemen's Houthis claim they struck Saudi's Riyadh airport with ballistic missile; ops hit | World News
-
Houthis Target Saudi Oil Facilities and Airports in Missile Wave
Yemen-based Houthi rebels launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, striking key airports and oil facilities including the Saudi capital airport and an Aramco refinery. The strikes hit in retaliation for Saudi air and missile attacks across Yemen. Meanwhile, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a government offensive under air cover by the Saudi military coalition, recapturing several key areas around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi defenses also downed six Houthi missiles, and coalition forces destroyed a depot holding 20 ballistic missiles in northwestern Yemen.
Why it matters
The escalation intensifies a long-running regional conflict involving energy infrastructure and critical maritime chokepoints on the Arabian Peninsula. Previous Houthi strikes targeted Riyadh, Khamis Mushait, Yanbu oil facilities, and the holy city of Madinah. These developments led to international defense measures, including US Patriot battery deployments and French military assistance offers.
What is confirmed
- The Houthis claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities, airports, and the Saudi capital airport.
- Saudi-backed Yemeni forces recaptured several key areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi rebels.
- The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed a depot housing 20 ballistic missiles in northwestern Yemen.
- Saudi defenses downed six Houthi missiles.
Still unconfirmed
- Yemeni government forces gave conflicting reports regarding whether they had seized the port city of Mokha near the Bab el-Mandab Strait.
What to watch next
- Further ground offensive movements by Saudi-backed forces aiming to retake Houthi-held territory.
- Additional Houthi missile and drone strikes against Saudi energy and aviation targets.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.rt.com — Houthis claim retaliatory strikes on Saudi oil facilities (VIDEOS) — RT World News
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel Houthi rebels from several areas around key strait, officials say
- tribune.com.pk — Saudi-led coalition says it destroyed depot housing 20 ballistic missiles in northwestern Yemen - The Exp....
- www.theguardian.com — Saudi-backed forces recapture key areas around strait from Houthis in Yemen | Yemen
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Houthis target Aramco refinery, Saudi capital airport as Mecca defence pact activated: Report
- www.bbc.com — Yemeni government forces say they have 'secured' Bab al-Mandab Strait
-
Houthis target Saudi oil sites and holy cities amid regional escalation
Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones at Riyadh, Khamis Mushait, and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, with the Saudi-led coalition reporting successful interceptions. Recent attacks also targeted the holy city of Madinah. The Houthis claim these strikes respond to 300 Saudi attacks on Yemen in a single week. In response, Saudi Arabia provided 224 million riyals in budget support to the Yemeni government, while France offered military assistance to protect the Yanbu crude export terminal. US Patriot batteries have been deployed to protect energy sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Why it matters
The Houthis are an Iran-backed Zaydi Shia organization fighting a civil war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Yanbu is a critical hub for Saudi crude exports connected to the East-West pipeline. This escalation occurs as Saudi Arabia seeks new regional defense partnerships due to a perceived lack of US intervention.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition intercepted ballistic missiles and drones targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait.
- Houthi forces targeted the holy city of Madinah in September 2026.
- Saudi Arabia provided 224 million riyals in budget support to the Yemeni government.
- The Houthis are an Iran-backed paramilitary organization.
- France offered military support to protect the Yanbu crude export terminal.
Still unconfirmed
- The Houthis struck an Aramco facility in Riyadh.
- Modified Iranian defense systems are being used by Houthis to alter the balance in the Red Sea.
- Yemeni government forces conducted multiple air and ground operations across Taiz within 24 hours.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of damage to Aramco facilities in Yanbu or Riyadh
- Outcome of the Yemeni government's general mobilisation and amnesty offer for defectors
- Deployment status of additional US Patriot batteries in the region
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemen government forces widen attacks against Houthis: What we know | Conflict News
- www.aljazeera.com — Why has the Yemen government called for a general mobilisation? | Houthis News
- www.timesnownews.com — Houthis Escalate Saudi War, Claim Strikes on Riyadh and ...
- www.jpost.com — Saudi coalition says it intercepts Houthi missiles, drones targeting Khamis Mushait, Riyadh
- www.aljazeera.com — Are Houthis using new modified cruise missiles in Yemen’s war?
- www.euronews.com — Saudi Arabia reports fresh Houthi attacks as France offers military support to protect Yanbu
- www.jpost.com — Yemen's Houthis claim to have launched missiles, drones at Riyadh, Aramco facilities in Yanbu
- www.dailymirror.lk — The Overstretch Doctrine: The price of being everywhere - Opinion | Daily Mirror
- en.wikipedia.org — Houthis - Wikipedia
- www.indiatoday.in — Saudi gives Yemen USD 60 million as Houthi attacks raise pressure on kingdom - India Today
- tribune.com.pk — US sends additional Patriot batteries to protect Saudi, Qatari energy sites: Axios
- www.iranintl.com — Saudi-led coalition intercepts missile fired by Iran-backed Houthis
-
Houthis target Saudi capital with ballistic missiles
The Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh and other cities, which were intercepted by Saudi defenses. This escalation occurs amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attacks have prompted international concern and raised questions about the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's defenses.
Why it matters
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels is part of a larger regional struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis have been launching attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, prompting a strong response from the Saudi-led coalition. The international community is watching closely as the situation escalates.
What is confirmed
- Six ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia's port of Yanbu and the city of Taif were intercepted by Saudi defenses.
- The Houthi rebels are backed by Iran.
- Saudi Arabia has been engaged in a conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- The attacks have prompted concern about the global energy market.
Still unconfirmed
- The Houthi rebels claim they targeted a 'sensitive' site in Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones.
What to watch next
- The response of the Saudi-led coalition to the Houthi attacks
- The impact of the conflict on the global energy market
- The reaction of the international community to the escalation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.ctvnews.ca — Saudi Arabia: Houthi missiles intercepted on Red Sea port
- www.bbc.com — Who are the Houthis in Yemen and what do they want?
- www.yahoo.com — Cornered By Houthis And Iran, Saudi Arabia Garners Allied Defense Support
- www.rfi.fr — Houthi attacks put Turkey’s new Saudi defence pact to the test - International report - RFI
- www.jpost.com — Schools in Riyadh move to remote learning without warning amid renewed Saudi-Houthi tensions
- biz.chosun.com — Saudi, Türkiye, Pakistan plan chiefs meeting as Houthis escalate attacks
- www.aljazeera.com — Saudi-led coalition says shot down 6 ballistic missiles launched by Houthis | Conflict News
- www.wsls.com — Saudi-led coalition says 6 ballistic missiles are intercepted and blames Houthi rebels - WSLS News 10,WSL....
- tribune.com.pk — Saudi defences down six Houthi missiles - The Express Tribune
-
Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations to end the war. This diplomatic failure coincides with Operation Economic Outcast, a US Treasury campaign to isolate Iran financially. As part of this pressure, the UAE, Oman, and Turkey have suspended flights by Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air. Meanwhile, US Senate Republicans are focusing on rising domestic costs linked to the conflict as they approach midterm elections.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit point. Tensions have escalated following threats from Donald Trump to annihilate Iran and subsequent sanctions on Iranian aviation and finance.
What is confirmed
- The UAE has suspended Iranian airline flights citing US sanctions.
- Turkey and Oman have stopped Mahan Air flights.
- The US Treasury launched Operation Economic Outcast to target Iranian financial and aviation sectors.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi forces struck Riyadh, the Jazan region, and Aramco facilities.
- Saudi Arabia shot down six ballistic missiles targeting Yanbu and Taif.
- Iran presented a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations.
What to watch next
- Outcome of the Ratepayer Protection Act vote in the US Senate
- Further sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast
- Iranian response to the rejection of the Hormuz proposal
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- seekingalpha.com — Weekly Commentary: Too Big To Fail Redux
- www.yahoo.com — Trump rejects 7-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz
- www.iranintl.com — Senate Republicans target rising costs as Iran war weighs on midterms
- www.iranintl.com — Bessent thanks Iran’s neighbors for helping US pressure campaign
-
Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles as Iran rejects US threats
Saudi Arabia shot down six ballistic missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Thursday. Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki stated the missiles targeted Yanbu and Taif. While Saudi officials report successful interceptions, the Houthis claim they struck Riyadh, the Jazan region, and Aramco facilities. Simultaneously, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will not surrender following threats from Donald Trump to annihilate the country. New US sanctions have also prompted the UAE and Oman to suspend all Iranian airline flights.
Why it matters
The region is experiencing a nearly seven-month war between the US and the Islamic Republic. Tensions have escalated with Israel recently attacking Iran and the UK providing air-to-air refueling for Saudi defenses.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition shot down six ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces on Thursday.
- Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki stated the missiles targeted the cities of Taif and Yanbu.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of being terrorists during a speech at the UN General Assembly.
- The UAE and Oman suspended flights by Iranian airlines on Thursday following new US sanctions.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his decision to attack Iran at the UN General Assembly.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi forces claim they attacked Riyadh, the Jazan region, and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of damage to Aramco facilities or targets in Riyadh
- Further responses from the Iranian government to US sanctions
- Details on the duration of flight suspensions in the UAE and Oman
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- ici.radio-canada.ca — Iran’s president says country won’t surrender after Trump threat to ’annihilate’ Islamic Republic
- www.sanjuandailystar.com — Saudi Arabia downs Houthi missiles targeting kingdom, officials say
- www.tbsnews.net — Houthis say they attacked Riyadh, Jazan region, and Aramco facilities in Yanbu
- theprint.in — Saudi Arabia says it intercepted Houthi missiles; group claims strikes on Riyadh, Aramco
- news.rthk.hk — Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles
- www.al-monitor.com — New US sanctions shut down Iranian flights
- www.chicagotribune.com — Delegates walk out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses UN
-
UK provides refueling support as Trump threatens Iran
The UK is providing air-to-air refueling for Saudi Arabia's defensive operations against Houthi attacks. This military support follows a request from Riyadh. Simultaneously, Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, stating the only options are "wiping Iran out" or allowing its economy to "rot" unless a deal is reached with Washington. These developments follow a Houthi strike on a Riyadh airport fuel depot and subsequent Saudi-led coalition interceptions of ballistic missiles.
Why it matters
The conflict involves Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen targeting Saudi infrastructure. The escalation draws in Western allies and increases diplomatic tension between the US and Iran.
What is confirmed
- The UK will provide air-to-air refueling for defensive operations following a Saudi Arabian request.
Still unconfirmed
- Andy Burnham deployed an RAF jet to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi militants.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of US military strikes or diplomatic negotiations with Iran
- Details on the scale and duration of UK refueling operations
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.wsws.org — Trump threatens to reignite war on Iran as Houthi/Saudi conflict escalates
- www.bbc.com — UK to help refuel Saudi jets countering Houthi attacks
- www.gbnews.com — Andy Burnham deploys RAF jet for first time to support Saudi Arabia against Houthis in Yemen
- www.aol.com — Trump Reportedly Called Off Houthi Strikes As Bombs Were Being Loaded Onto US Planes
- www.europesays.com — The Latest: MS NOW, CNN and Politico file lawsuit against Trump to restore White House access
-
Houthis Target Riyadh with Ballistic Missiles and Drones
An air attack set a fuel depot ablaze at an airport in the Saudi capital, sending plumes of smoke into the sky after air raid alerts sounded across the city. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting Riyadh with ballistic missiles and a drone strike. The Saudi-led coalition announced that defense forces intercepted a missile fired at the capital. Meanwhile, Pakistan pressed Iran over energy supplies as explosions put the Saudi capital on edge amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Why it matters
The escalation places renewed pressure on Saudi infrastructure and highlights the cross-border reach of Yemen's Houthi movement. Air defenses continue to face incoming projectiles aimed at key urban centers and transport hubs. The incident also intersects with broader diplomatic efforts involving regional states regarding energy supplies.
What is confirmed
- Smoke and flames were seen near the airport in the Saudi capital after air raid alerts sounded.
- Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Riyadh.
- The Saudi-led coalition stated that defense forces intercepted a Houthi missile fired at the capital.
- Saudi Arabia confirmed that Houthi rebels attempted to attack its capital with a ballistic missile.
Still unconfirmed
- An air attack specifically set a fuel depot ablaze at the airport in the Saudi capital.
What to watch next
- Official casualty reports or damage assessments from Saudi authorities
- Further statements from the Saudi-led coalition regarding intercepted projectiles
- Developments in regional diplomatic talks involving Pakistan and Iran
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- bbc.com — Smoke seen near Riyadh airport after air raid alerts in Saudi capital
- The New York Times — Reported Explosions Put Saudi Capital on Edge Amid Conflict With Houthis
- WSJ — Air Attack Sets Fuel Depot Ablaze at Airport in Saudi Capital
- CNBC — Flames reported near Saudi capital airport as Pakistan presses Iran over energy supplies
- KSL News — Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital
- Al Jazeera — Saudi-led coalition says defences intercept Houthi missile fired at Riyadh
- AP News — Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen’s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile
- news.sky.com — Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi Arabia's capital after smoke seen rising near airport
- NPR — Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community