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# Saudi Arabia Says Houthis Tried to Attack Riyadh With Ballistic Missile
- URL: https://www.warfaredecoded.com/saudi-arabia-says-houthis-tried-to-attack-riyadh-with-ballistic-missile/
- Published: 2026-09-20T16:08:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-20T16:08:57.000Z
- Author: Kevin Macmellon

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that Houthi forces attempted to target **Riyadh with a ballistic missile**, marking the first reported attempt to strike the Saudi capital since the latest escalation between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. Saudi air defenses said the missile was intercepted.

## Smoke Reported Near Riyadh Airport

Large plumes of black smoke were seen near **King Khalid International Airport**, with Reuters footage also showing flames near what appeared to be fuel-storage tanks. Saudi authorities issued warnings to residents around Riyadh and Al-Kharj before later issuing an all-clear.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/09/Smoke-Column-Seen-From-Riyadh-Highway.png)

Smoke Column Seen From Riyadh Highway — A massive plume of dark smoke rises on the horizon as motorists travel along a highway leading toward Riyadh’s airport area

## Houthis Claim Attacks on Sensitive Sites

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had launched missiles and drones against what he described as **“sensitive sites” in Riyadh**. The Houthis also claimed attacks against Saudi Aramco facilities in the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Those additional claims were not independently verified.

## Saudi Arabia Reports Additional Interceptions

The Saudi-led coalition said Houthi attacks were also directed toward **Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan**, describing them as attempts to strike civilian infrastructure. Saudi authorities said those attacks were thwarted by air defenses.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/09/Large-Explosion-Rocks-Yemen.png)

Large Explosion Rocks Yemen — A powerful explosion sends a fireball and thick black smoke into the sky over a densely populated area in Yemen

## Part of a Wider Regional Escalation

The latest attack comes after weeks of fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. The renewed confrontation has added another pressure point around the Red Sea, a major route for international shipping and energy exports.

Author: Kevin Macmellon