Houthis Claim Missile, Drone Attacks on Riyadh

Black smoke was seen rising from a fuel tank near the international airport in the Saudi capital. Photo: Collected.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting “sensitive” sites in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in the Red Sea city of Yanbu.

The claim came after Saudi authorities reported that a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh was intercepted and destroyed. Saudi officials also said air defences thwarted attempted attacks targeting civilian areas and infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. No casualties were reported in the initial statements.

The attacks came amid a renewed escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with Riyadh issuing its first air-raid alerts since the latest phase of fighting began in July.

On Saturday, explosions were heard in Riyadh and a large plume of black smoke and flames was seen near King Khalid International Airport. Video and photographs showed smoke rising from an area near fuel storage facilities. The incident disrupted flight operations, with delays and cancellations reported at the airport.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had used ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in attacks on Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. He said the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi strikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Houthis did not provide independent evidence confirming the extent of damage caused by their claimed attacks.

Saudi authorities said their air-defence systems intercepted the missile launched toward Riyadh and thwarted other attempted attacks. They did not initially confirm that the smoke and fire near the airport were directly caused by the Houthi attacks.

The United States has also advised its citizens in the region to exercise heightened caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations and other travel disruptions amid the escalating conflict.

The latest attacks are part of a broader escalation in the Yemen conflict, which has intensified since July. The renewed fighting has raised concerns over the security of Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea region.