Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted Houthi Ballistic Missiles and Drone Attacks

RIYADH (Terror Monitor) —Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles and a drone targeting several parts of the kingdom, according to the Saudi-led military coalition, as security alerts were issued across multiple regions amid heightened tensions linked to the conflict in Yemen.

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said two ballistic missiles launched towards the western Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom’s air defence systems.

Earlier, Saudi Civil Defence authorities issued alerts warning residents of Jeddah, Makkah, Taif and Yanbu about potential threats. Residents were urged to take precautions, remain indoors and follow official safety instructions.

A few minutes later, authorities announced that the immediate danger had passed.

The alerts came amid growing security concerns over reported missile and drone threats against Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, with Yemen’s Houthi movement suspected of involvement in some of the attempted attacks. However, the claims regarding responsibility have not been independently verified in every instance.

Alerts Issued in Riyadh, Najran and Wadi Al-Dawasir

Saudi Civil Defence also issued warnings of potential threats in Riyadh, Najran and Wadi Al-Dawasir, activating the kingdom’s early-warning system.

Authorities subsequently announced that the danger had subsided in those areas as well.

The warnings prompted heightened vigilance across several regions, including major urban centres and strategically important locations. The authorities did not immediately provide further details about the nature of every reported threat or whether any damage or casualties had occurred.

Coalition Says Missile Targeting Riyadh Was Intercepted

In a separate statement posted on X, Al-Maliki said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh by Yemen’s Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah.

The coalition spokesperson also said a drone launched by the Houthis towards Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province was neutralised on Saturday morning.

The statements indicated that the reported threats extended beyond the kingdom’s western regions to the capital and the oil-producing east.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly faced missile and drone threats during its prolonged confrontation with the Houthis, who control Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen.

The kingdom has invested heavily in air defence systems to protect its population centres, military installations and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities.

Houthis Yet to Respond

The Houthi movement had not immediately issued a response to the latest Saudi-led coalition claims.

The reported interceptions came amid renewed hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with missile launches, drone activity and airstrikes contributing to growing regional tensions.

Saudi officials have repeatedly accused the Houthis of threatening the kingdom’s security through cross-border attacks. The group has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi territory and strategic infrastructure, although individual claims require independent verification.

Background: Saudi Arabia and the Yemen Conflict

Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis since 2015, following the group’s takeover of Sanaa and its expansion across large parts of the country.

The conflict declined significantly after a United Nations-brokered truce in 2022, although the agreement did not resolve the underlying political and military dispute.

Hostilities have intensified again since July 2026 amid wider tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns about renewed cross-border attacks and further instability in the Arabian Peninsula.

The latest Saudi warnings and reported interceptions underscore the continuing security risks posed by missiles and drones. With threats reported in western Saudi Arabia, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, authorities remain on alert for further attacks.

The absence of an immediate Houthi response means that responsibility for the latest reported launches remains based on the Saudi-led coalition’s statements. Independent confirmation of the reported interceptions and the circumstances surrounding each incident was not immediately available.