On 19 September 2026, Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen’s Houthi rebels attempted to strike Riyadh with a ballistic missile, marking the first such attack on the capital since the recent escalation in hostilities. The missile was intercepted, and no casualties or damage were reported. The incident led to emergency alerts in Riyadh and disruptions at King Khalid International Airport, with smoke observed near the site. The escalation follows intensified fighting between Saudi forces and the Iran-backed Houthis.
According to Hindustan Times, Saudi authorities issued a “hostile aerial threat” warning and activated emergency protocols across the kingdom, including the first alert in Riyadh since the conflict intensified. Residents near the airport reported hearing explosions and witnessing plumes of smoke, though officials confirmed there were no casualties or significant damage.
As reported by The Hindu, the Saudi-led coalition stated that the missile targeting Riyadh was intercepted, and additional attempted attacks on Yanbu, Taif, Baysh, and Farasan were also thwarted. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting they targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and Saudi oil infrastructure, though these claims could not be independently verified.