Houthis launch new attacks on Riyadh

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched new missile and drone attacks on Riyadh, prompting Saudi air defenses to intercept several projectiles and leading the UK to enhance its military support by deploying RAF fighter jets for defensive missions over Saudi Arabia. This escalation highlights the intensifying conflict’s threat to regional stability and key infrastructure, including critical maritime routes, while humanitarian conditions worsen in besieged areas like Taiz.

The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen launched new missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh on Tuesday, prompting Saudi air defenses to intercept and destroy at least one ballistic missile and a drone aimed at the capital. The attacks mark a continuation of a sustained campaign that has seen the Houthis target Riyadh repeatedly since mid-September, with Saudi authorities reporting at least 20 assaults on King Khalid International Airport in October alone, including one strike that killed 13 people.

In response to the escalating threat, the United Kingdom announced it would significantly increase its military support to Saudi Arabia. British Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets will now conduct defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone strikes. This expands the UK's previous role, which was limited to mid-air refueling for Saudi aircraft, and includes the deployment of an Atlas A400M military transport plane and military advisers to assist Saudi army staff.

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting characterized the Houthi attacks as “absolutely despicable,” highlighting the particularly concerning targeting of civilian infrastructure such as Riyadh’s airport. He emphasized the UK’s commitment to shielding civilians and sought to underline the wider implications of the conflict for regional stability, including threats to the Bab al-Mandab strait. The maritime chokepoint in the Red Sea, controlled by the Houthis, is a crucial route for ships traveling to Europe via the Suez Canal, and its disruption poses risks to international shipping.

The UK Ministry of Defence clarified that the RAF’s enhanced role will be strictly defensive, with fighter jets operating only within Saudi airspace and not engaging in offensive operations over Yemen. The move is intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter the increasing frequency and intensity of Houthi strikes, which have resulted in numerous casualties and damaged critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, fighting continues in Yemen, where the Houthi militia has maintained a siege on the city of Taiz since early October, effectively blocking the sole supply route connecting it to Aden. The United Nations has called for immediate humanitarian access to the city, warning that the closure is placing civilians at severe risk by preventing the delivery of essential aid and supplies. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, urged the Houthis to lift the blockade to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged area.

The conflict in Yemen, which has drawn in regional powers and drawn international concern, remains unresolved, with both sides engaged in hostilities while diplomatic efforts continue. The latest military developments underscore the ongoing tensions and the broader regional implications of the Houthi-Saudi confrontation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.