Saudi Arabia confirmed on Saturday that Yemen’s Houthi rebels attempted to strike its capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile, marking the first such attack on the city since an escalation in hostilities between the two sides. The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in combating the Iran-backed Houthis, reported the missile was intercepted during a predawn assault. Eyewitnesses in Riyadh reported hearing an explosion and later observed smoke near the city’s airport. No casualties or damage have been reported.
In addition to Riyadh, the coalition stated that the Houthis sought to target civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu—home to a crucial Saudi oil pipeline terminus—as well as in Taif, Baysh, and Farasan. These attacks were reportedly foiled, though no further details were provided.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting they targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and oil facilities operated by Saudi energy giant Aramco in Yanbu, alleging that their strikes caused “massive fires.” Aramco did not respond to requests for comment. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the assaults involved cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. Saree further accused Saudi Arabia of conducting attacks against Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, but did not provide additional information. Independent verification of these claims has not been possible.
The recent surge in attacks constitutes a notable intensification in the ongoing conflict that has intensified regional tensions, particularly as it impacts key Red Sea shipping routes. Fighting inside Yemen has escalated significantly in recent days, with government forces and the Houthis clashing fiercely. The Houthis recently captured the strategic port city of Mokha along the Red Sea coast, as well as islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint. These gains aim to enhance the rebels’ monitoring of maritime traffic, though the Houthis maintain they have targeted only Saudi vessels.
The escalation has also seen a rise in casualties. On Thursday, Saudi civil defense reported that debris from an intercepted Houthi drone strike killed a Yemeni resident inside Saudi Arabia, representing the first civilian casualty tied to the recent surge in attacks. On Wednesday, Saudi authorities said they intercepted a Houthi drone that had been launched toward Mecca, describing the city as a “red line” and emphasizing the importance of its security. The Houthis have strongly denied any attempt to target Mecca.
Meanwhile, the United States, a key Saudi ally, has indicated it is not currently engaged in hostilities with the Houthis. However, regional officials report that Saudi Arabia is facing shortages of missile interceptors and has solicited air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt to bolster its defenses.
The renewed fighting represents a return to open conflict in Yemen after four years of relative calm, underscored by the Houthis’ aggressive advances and Saudi Arabia’s heightened defensive measures. The developments add complexity to the protracted civil war and carry broader implications for regional stability and global energy markets.