Houthi Missile Attack: Intercepted Debris Injures Two in Saudi Arabia
Falling shrapnel from intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles injured two people and damaged property in Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah.
A series of ballistic missile launches by the Houthi militia targeted multiple regions in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, leading to injuries and significant material damage. While Saudi air defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming threats, falling shrapnel caused casualties in the Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah governorates.
Casualties and Damage in the South
The Saudi Directorate General of Civil Defence reported that the interception of two ballistic missiles resulted in injuries to two individuals: one Saudi citizen and one resident of Asian nationality. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to the affected sites to provide medical aid and secure the area.
Beyond the human cost, the falling debris caused considerable structural damage. According to an official statement from the Civil Defence spokesperson, the barrage resulted in material damage to three residential buildings and seven vehicles. Authorities confirmed that standard safety procedures were implemented to protect the public and assess the extent of the destruction.
Tensions in the Capital: Riyadh Under Fire
The unrest extended to the Saudi capital, where the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception and destruction of another ballistic missile. Colonel Turki bin Saleh al-Maliki, the coalition's spokesperson, confirmed the successful hit, while a separate report indicated that a drone was also intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh region.
Following the intercepts, the General Directorate of Civil Defence issued an alert stating that the immediate danger in Riyadh City had passed. Residents were urged to remain calm, avoid gathering or filming the events, and follow official instructions via the 911 emergency line for their safety.
Chaos at King Khalid International Airport
The Houthi militia, through military spokesperson Yahya Saree, claimed to have targeted several key installations, including energy infrastructure, refineries, and aviation facilities in Riyadh, Yanbu, Dammam, and Rabigh. Specifically, Saree claimed that King Khalid International Airport was a target and warned airlines and travelers to avoid using the facility, labeling it a "military target."
In response to the volatility, King Khalid International Airport issued a travel advisory regarding its operations. The airport announced a reorganization of its terminals effective Sunday, October 25, 2026:
- Terminal 1: Designated for domestic flights.
- Terminal 2: Designated for international flights operated by national carriers.
International Reaction and Travel Warnings
The escalation in the region has prompted international concern. The United States has updated its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates, citing an increased threat of potential armed attacks by Iranian-supported Houthi forces. While the formal advisory level remains at "Reconsider Travel" (Level 3), the update serves as a warning to those in the region regarding the volatile security situation.