Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh Intercepted by Saudi Air Defences

A Houthi missile attack on Riyadh was reported early Saturday after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward the capital. The incident came after a fire broke out at a fuel depot near King Khalid International Airport, where firefighters were seen putting out a blaze involving a fuel tank carrying the logo of Saudi oil company Aramco.

Turki Al Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said the missile was launched toward Riyadh at daybreak and was shot down by Saudi air defence. He also stated that the Houthis attempted to target citizens and civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but those strikes were also thwarted.

Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh Triggers Air Raid Alert

Saudi authorities issued an air raid warning overnight as the threat grew. Residents in Riyadh were instructed to stay indoors as police warned of an airborne threat soon before 3 a.m.

People in the capital afterward reported hearing explosions. A resident in northern Riyadh reported that the alarm was followed by a shaking of his windows. Another resident characterised the situation as horrifying.

The fire near King Khalid International Airport exacerbated the delays. An AFP journalist on the scene observed firefighters extinguishing flames from a petrol tank at a facility near the airport. Footage confirmed by AFP also showed dense black smoke rising near airport buildings.

FlightRadar24 recorded substantial interruption at Riyadh’s airport for a length of time and classified it as having the highest level of disruption. Normal air travel eventually resumed.

Houthis Claim Missile and Drone Operations

The Houthis claimed their attacks were carried out in response to recent Saudi strikes. According to military spokesman Yahya Saree, the group carried out two operations utilising ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.

According to Saree, one operation targeted “sensitive” sites in Riyadh, while the other targeted Aramco installations in Yanbu.

Saudi Arabia has launched many airstrikes against Houthi-held areas in response to the group’s latest push in Yemen. The Houthis have seized major parts of the country, putting additional strain on Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Riyadh.

The latest incident stems from a quarrel over an alleged Houthi strike on Mecca. Saudi Arabia accused the group of conducting out the strike on Wednesday, but the Houthis denounced the charge as untrue.

On Saturday, the United States issued a security notice through the State Department and regional embassies. The warning suggested the confrontation may soon escalate and cited prior Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian airports.

Washington has also approved the sale of 48 F-35 fighter fighters to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion. According to the State Department, the aircraft will assist the monarchy repel existing and future threats.

The latest missile incident has raised new security concerns for Riyadh, as battle between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis continues.