Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missile Aimed at Riyadh

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and destroyed a drone over its Eastern Province on Saturday, October 24, according to the Saudi-led coalition.

What Happened

• Shortly after 4am, Saudi Civil Defense activated its early warning platform for Riyadh, Najran and Wadi al-Dawasir. Two loud blasts were heard across Riyadh minutes later.

• Coalition spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the missile was destroyed and, in a separate statement, that a drone had been intercepted over the Eastern Province. Authorities then declared the danger over.

• The coalition said it had intercepted two other ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait on Friday, and two drones aimed at the southern region on Thursday.

Coalition Statement

Al-Maliki rejected Houthi claims that Saudi Arabia had threatened Yemeni tribal and civilian gatherings, calling them false. He said Yemen’s tribes are an integral part of the country’s social fabric, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Yemen’s security and stability.

Wider Context

The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and other parts of Yemen since 2014, and Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government since 2015. The attacks come amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have condemned the Houthi attacks and backed Riyadh.