Missiles fired at Riyadh, intercepted by coalition
AI Summary
The Saudi-led coalition intercepted drones and ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait amid escalating conflict. The attacks heightened regional tensions, with international condemnation and warnings from GCC officials about the threat to civilian safety.
RIYADH: The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen’s Houthis said on Saturday it had intercepted drones and ballistic missiles, as the group launched fresh attacks, including on Riyadh, despite international condemnation. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition said on Saturday its air defences “intercepted and destroyed two drones launched by the Houthis towards the Riyadh area”. Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed two Houthi-launched ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait, a city in the country’s southwest that is home to an air base, the spokesman said. Hezam Al-Assad, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, said on Saturday that “Despite the operation’s strength, scope, and impact, our armed forces view it as merely a small-scale rehearsal for a full-scale escalation.” Meanwhile, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, denounced the Houthi attacks. “This dangerous escalation constitutes a flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and poses a direct threat to the security and safety of civilians and the stability of the region,” he said in a statement. Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026