Riyadh Under Fire: Saudi Defenses Smash Houthi Ballistic Missiles
Saudi-led coalition destroys two Houthi ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh amid claims of wider attacks on oil facilities and airports.
The skies over the Saudi capital were tense on Sunday as the Saudi-led coalition successfully intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi militia. The interception prevented the projectiles from reaching their targets in Riyadh, marking another volatile chapter in the ongoing conflict between the coalition and the Houthi rebels.
Air Defenses Spring Into Action
Taking to the social media platform X, the coalition confirmed that their air defense systems were alert and effective, neutralizing the threat posed by the "Houthi terrorist militia." This action came as part of a heightened security posture across the kingdom.
The tension wasn't limited to the capital. In a move that signaled a wider threat, Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued urgent alerts for the Eastern Province. Residents in the city of Dammam, as well as the governorates of Al-Ahsa and Abqaiq, were warned of a "potential danger." Authorities urged citizens to seek immediate shelter in safe locations and strictly adhere to safety protocols.
Houthi Claims of Strategic Strikes
While the coalition reported successful interceptions, the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, painted a much more aggressive picture. Saree claimed that the group had executed six distinct missile and drone operations aimed at critical Saudi infrastructure.
Targets in the Crosshairs
According to the Houthi spokesperson, the operations were designed to hit high-value strategic installations, including:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Aramco distillation towers and oil storage facilities within the capital.
- Aramco facilities located in Khurais.
- Pumping Station No. 8 in the Dawadmi area.
Beyond these industrial targets, Saree further alleged that Saudi military positions in Al-Jawf, Najran, and Yemen's Marib Governorate were also targeted. The Houthi group stated that these attacks—which utilized a mix of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones—were a direct retaliation for Saudi military actions in Yemen.
A Cycle of Escalation
The conflict continues to spiral, with the Houthi militia alleging a massive surge in Saudi aggression. Yahya Saree claimed that within a single 24-hour window, Saudi Arabia launched 105 airstrikes and missile attacks across Yemen. These strikes reportedly targeted Sanaa and governorates such as Saada, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf, with the Houthis claiming that women and children among the civilian population were casualties of these raids.
Calls for International Intervention
Amidst the chaos, the internationally recognized government of Yemen is looking toward regional cooperation to curb the Houthis' capabilities. In a recent diplomatic push, the Yemeni government urged Lebanon to coordinate efforts to block military assistance from Hezbollah to the Houthi militia. The government has called for a strategic partnership between the security and intelligence agencies of both Lebanon and Yemen to stop the flow of arms and support to the rebels.