Brief
Saudi coalition says it intercepted another Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh
The coalition reported the missile was destroyed and warned residents after a text alert warned of an aerial threat.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Saudi Arabia‑led coalition said it shot down a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels toward Riyadh on Monday night, adding two more missiles aimed at the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait were also intercepted.
What happened
According to a statement posted on X, coalition spokesperson Turki Al‑Maliki said the Houthis fired one ballistic missile toward Riyadh and two toward Khamis Mushait. All three projectiles were "intercepted and destroyed," he wrote. Residents of Riyadh reported several powerful explosions shortly after receiving a text‑message alert warning of an aerial threat.
What the reports add
The Al Jazeera report notes that the Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital Sanaa, claimed their target in Riyadh was King Khalid International Airport. The same outlet also quoted Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, who said a drone was sent toward a military airbase in Khamis Mushait and warned international airlines against operating flights to Saudi airports, except those serving Mecca and Medina, calling them "unsafe."
What was said
Turki Al‑Maliki, speaking for the coalition, said the missiles were destroyed and highlighted the ongoing threat to Saudi airspace. Yahya Saree warned airlines that Saudi airports, apart from the holy‑city hubs, were unsafe for operations.
How it came about
The latest strike follows a series of attacks that have kept King Khalid International Airport closed since a Houthi missile hit the facility on Saturday, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 300. A subsequent strike on Sunday caused one death and 11 injuries. Saudi authorities have said the airport will stay closed until the following Saturday, prompting airlines to cancel flights. The renewed missile activity occurs amid broader regional tensions linked to the United States and Israel’s war on Iran.
Key facts
- The coalition intercepted one ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and two aimed at Khamis Mushait. (aljazeera.com)
- All three missiles were destroyed, according to spokesperson Turki Al‑Maliki. (aljazeera.com)
- Houthis claimed the Riyadh target was King Khalid International Airport. (aljazeera.com)
- King Khalid International Airport remains closed after earlier attacks that killed at least 13 people. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Houthi missile attack targets Saudi capital Riyadh for third day in a row”
