Kingdom repels new attacks by Houthis

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Saudi air defenses intercepted multiple drones, cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia targeting southern Saudi regions, Riyadh, and the strategic port of Yanbu. The United Nations Security Council condemned these attacks in a formal statement, signaling increased international resolve to protect civilian infrastructure and maritime routes amid escalating regional tensions.

Saudi air defenses intercepted multiple drone and missile attacks on Friday as the Iran-backed Houthi militia continued assaults on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the defensive operations successfully neutralized three drones over southern regions and Riyadh, as well as two cruise missiles launched over the Red Sea. Additionally, a ballistic missile targeting Yanbu, a critical Red Sea port and terminus of the East-West oil pipeline, was also destroyed.

The ongoing attacks come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Houthi movement frequently targeting strategic infrastructure and urban centers within Saudi Arabia. Riyadh’s international airport has been particularly affected, having been struck at least 20 times this month alone. A recent missile strike at the airport last Saturday resulted in 13 fatalities.

In response, the United Nations Security Council issued a presidential statement condemning the continued and escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and denouncing their threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait. The statement also strongly criticized the militants’ "reckless strikes" on civilian infrastructure, marking an intensified tone from the council. This formal statement, requiring consensus among all 15 Security Council members and entered into the official public record, carries more diplomatic weight than previous press releases.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the statement, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to prevent the Houthis from acquiring weapons and expressing gratitude for the council’s solidarity in protecting civilians. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, echoed this sentiment, stating the message sent by the council stood clearly against attacks targeting the Kingdom and threats to maritime security.

The conflict in Yemen, now in its second decade, has drawn multiple regional and international actors into a prolonged struggle. The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in military operations against the Houthis since 2015, seeking to restore the internationally recognized government. Meanwhile, the Houthis accuse Riyadh and its allies of aggressive intervention. The recent uptick in cross-border attacks adds to concerns over regional stability and the safety of critical economic and shipping routes.

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.