Houthis Riyadh Attack: Missiles and Drones Target Saudi Capital | Shyok Times

Houthis Riyadh Attack escalated tensions between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia on Saturday after the group claimed it launched ballistic and cruise missiles and drones toward what it described as “sensitive sites” in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as well as facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.

The claims came after Saudi authorities issued overnight warnings of a potential aerial threat over Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Residents reported hearing explosions, while a large column of black smoke was seen rising near King Khalid International Airport. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke in an area that appeared to contain fuel storage tanks.

تم إطلاق إنذار من المنصة الوطنية للإنذار المبكر في حالات الطوارئ في مدينة الرياض للتحذير من خطر، اتبع الآتي: pic.twitter.com/bXvAD1fxSS

— الدفاع المدني السعودي (@SaudiDCD) September 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh. Authorities also said other attempted attacks targeting areas including Yanbu, Taif, Bish and Farasan were thwarted. No casualties or confirmed damage from the intercepted missile were immediately reported.

Houthis Claim Two Military Operations

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group carried out two operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. According to the Houthi statement, the first operation targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh, while the second targeted Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

The Houthis said the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi military operations against Sanaa, the Yemeni capital controlled by the group. The Saudi side, however, has described the Houthi attacks as a threat to civilians and critical infrastructure.

The reported fire near Riyadh airport caused temporary disruption to air travel, with flight delays and cancellations reported. Saudi civil defence later issued an all-clear after the overnight warnings.

Rising Tensions Along the Red Sea

The Houthis Riyadh Attack comes amid a broader escalation in Yemen. The Houthis have increased attacks against Saudi-linked targets while fighting with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives Saudi support.

The renewed fighting has also raised concerns over the security of the Red Sea and nearby maritime routes. The United Nations has warned that the situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait has become increasingly volatile as fighting has intensified along Yemen’s western coast.

The latest escalation could have wider implications for regional security and energy infrastructure, particularly because Yanbu is an important Saudi oil-export hub.

The claims surrounding the attacks remain subject to independent verification. While Saudi authorities confirmed the interception of a missile aimed at Riyadh, the Houthis have not provided independent evidence publicly establishing the full extent of damage to their claimed targets.

External Resources (DoFollow):

Follow more on DW: Houthis claim strikes on Riyadh, Yanbu port
Read further at BBC: Houthis say they targeted Saudi capital
Keep reading via Reuters: Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital