Saudi defences intercept missiles and drones over Riyadh

Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles and two drones targeting Riyadh early on Sunday, according to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said the projectiles were launched by Houthi forces and were intercepted before reaching their targets. “Air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi terrorist militia toward Riyadh,” he said in a post on X, using the wording from the coalition statement.

The interceptions followed a series of drone incidents on Saturday. Al-Maliki said two drones were intercepted in the Riyadh and southern regions, and a separate statement reported another drone intercepted over the Eastern Province.

Houthi forces have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia in recent months, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and oil infrastructure in the east and south of the kingdom. Saudi authorities say at least 26 people have been killed in suspected Houthi drone and missile attacks since 23 September.

The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert on Saturday, urging American citizens to exercise “heightened vigilance” because of an increased threat of Houthi attacks. The embassy said attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure had caused civilian casualties and travel disruptions, and warned that hostilities could spread rapidly.

The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against Houthi forces since 2015. Fighting has intensified in recent weeks across several front lines in Yemen, including Marib and al-Jawf, according to both sides.