Saudi Arabia Says Houthis Tried to Attack Riyadh With Ballistic Missile

Smoke Rises Near Riyadh Airport - A large column of dark smoke rises near Riyadh’s airport as Saudi Arabia reports a Houthi ballistic missile attack targeting the capital

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.

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.

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

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