Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia over the weekend, including an attempted ballistic missile strike on the capital of Riyadh, as renewed fighting in Yemen and the broader Iran war continue to increase pressure on the kingdom and its oil-export routes.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Col. Turki al-Malki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh early Saturday. Saudi Arabia had issued emergency alerts overnight Friday over a “hostile aerial threat,” marking the first air raid warning in the capital since fighting with the Houthis escalated in July.
At least one explosion was heard in Riyadh on Saturday, while black smoke rose near the capital’s King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage.
