Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen’s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with ballistic missile

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Houthi Ballistic Missile Targets Riyadh

   Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the Saudi capital of Riyadh with a ballistic missile. Air raid alerts sounded across the city, and smoke was spotted near the Riyadh airport and a fuel depot. Saudi Arabia confirmed the attack attempt, and the Saudi-led coalition stated that its defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming missile. Saudi civil defence subsequently issued an all-clear notice after the alerts. Regional allies including Turkey and Pakistan pledged their support to Saudi Arabia following the incident.

   Why it matters

   This aerial attack highlights the ongoing cross-border conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen. The escalation coincides with broader security concerns regarding the Bab al-Mandeb strait, prompting high-level diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Washington. Regional powers continue to align in defense of Saudi infrastructure against these persistent airborne threats.

   What is confirmed

   • Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack the Saudi capital of Riyadh with a ballistic missile.
   • The Saudi-led coalition stated that its defense systems intercepted the missile fired at Riyadh.
   • Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear message after air raid alerts were issued for Riyadh.
   • Smoke was seen near the Riyadh airport following the air raid alerts.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A fuel depot in Riyadh was struck during the Houthi attack.

   What to watch next

   • Official assessments of potential damage or debris from the intercepted missile
   • Further diplomatic responses from the United States regarding Houthi actions
   • Developments regarding control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait
   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. Al Jazeera — Saudi-led coalition says defences intercept Houthi missile fired at Riyadh
   5. NPR — Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital
   6. The Economist — World in Brief: A missile strike on Riyadh; America’s talks with China
   7. New York Post — Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen’s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with ballistic missile
   8. Yahoo — Turkey, Pakistan vow to support Saudi Arabia after Houthis strike Riyadh fuel depot
   9. www.cfr.org — The Houthis Seized a Critical Strait and Attacked Saudi Arabia. Here’s What It Means for the U.S.
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