Saudi-led Coalition Intercepts Houthi Ballistic Missiles Aimed at Riyadh

The Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen's internationally recognised government, announced that it intercepted three ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi movement. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated that the missiles were directed towards various Saudi cities, including two aimed at the capital, Riyadh, and one targeting Khamis Mushait, located near the Yemeni border.

Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency reported on X that debris from one intercepted missile caused damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic in Riyadh, although it did not confirm any injuries or fatalities.

Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, asserted that the Iran-aligned group successfully launched a ballistic missile targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, claiming that it hit its mark and disrupted air traffic. Witnesses in Riyadh reported hearing multiple explosions, including at the airport, which temporarily halted flights, as reported by The Associated Press. Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify these claims.

In light of recent developments, Houthi officials have cautioned aviation companies to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring that any aircraft flying over areas outside Mecca and Medina would be regarded as targets. Consequently, Air India announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Riyadh until at least the weekend. Additionally, the Lufthansa Group stated it would suspend flights to the city through October 16, as noted by Reuters.

The United States embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised American citizens to remain vigilant, warning them of possible flight cancellations and disruptions to travel.

The conflict has seen a rise in recent assaults on Saudi airports by the Houthis. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in at least three civilian deaths and injuries to 36 individuals.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these airport attacks, labelling them severe violations of Saudi sovereignty and direct threats to regional security. Omani and Egyptian authorities also denounced the assaults against Saudi locations.

These incidents are part of an ongoing series of Houthi strikes. On September 18, the Saudi-led coalition claimed it had intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh’s airport, while an explosion was reported near the airport a day later, alongside visible smoke from a fuel storage area.

In Yemen, reports indicate explosions near the airport in the Houthi-held city of Hodeidah, though details on their cause and impact remain unclear. A spokesperson for Yemen’s Saudi-backed forces claimed that approximately 1,370 Houthi fighters were affected in nearly 1,729 military operations, resulting in the destruction or disabling of over 300 vehicles.

Hadeel al-Yamani, Al Jazeera’s reporter in Taiz, Yemen, stated that fierce clashes are occurring between Yemen’s recognised government forces and the Houthis in several areas, including al-Shamayatayn and the countryside of Taiz governorate. The Houthis are reportedly seeking to advance into areas that have remained largely conflict-free.

Officials indicate that over 200,000 individuals have been displaced amidst escalating conflict in Yemen, as per the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM characterised the situation as alarming, noting that the number of displaced people surged from 76,000 as of mid-September to its current figure.

These events reflect the ongoing tensions in the region, underscoring the volatility and humanitarian impact of the prolonged conflict in Yemen.