Yemen’s Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, with missiles for the third consecutive day, according to a statement from the Saudi-led military coalition. The coalition said its forces had intercepted another ballistic missile aimed at the capital, while two additional missiles were reportedly launched towards the south-western city of Khamis Mushait.
Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, shared the information in a statement posted on the social media platform X. According to his account, one ballistic missile was launched towards Riyadh and was intercepted by the coalition’s defence forces. He also reported that two missiles were fired towards Khamis Mushait, although further details about their interception or impact were not provided.
The latest incident follows several days of attacks on Riyadh. At least 14 people have been killed in the recent strikes, according to the report. The Saudi authorities are attempting to manage the situation as the capital faces repeated attacks.
However, details remain limited regarding the locations affected by the latest incident, the extent of any damage and whether there were further casualties. The coalition’s statement also did not provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the interception.
Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s political and administrative centre, making attacks on the capital a significant security concern. The reported targeting of both Riyadh and Khamis Mushait suggests that the threat extends beyond a single location. Nevertheless, further verified information would be needed to establish the full scale and consequences of the latest attacks.
The Houthis have been involved in a prolonged conflict with Saudi Arabia, particularly following the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen’s civil war. Over the years, the group has launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory, while the Saudi-led coalition has conducted military operations in Yemen.
Ballistic missiles can travel considerable distances and pose serious challenges for air defence systems. Interception capabilities play an important role in protecting population centres and critical infrastructure from such threats. However, the effectiveness of a defensive operation and its wider consequences can only be assessed fully when additional details about the incident become available.
The latest reported attack has renewed concerns about security in Saudi Arabia as the country continues to face repeated missile threats. Further information is still awaited on the outcome of the strikes, possible damage and casualties, and any measures the Saudi authorities may take in response.
