Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence reported injuries and property damage in Riyadh following the interception of ballistic and cruise missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi forces amid escalating tensions in the region. Officials said fragments from the intercepted missiles caused minor harm to a resident of Arab nationality as well as damage to a residential building and a vehicle.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting critical infrastructure, including facilities owned by Saudi oil company Aramco and Riyadh’s airport, and pledged to continue their attacks. Saudi authorities indicated that debris from two intercepted cruise missiles wounded four individuals—two women, one man, and a child—and damaged 15 homes within the capital.
On a related front, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two commercial ships were struck by unidentified projectiles in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Concurrently, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that a vessel caught fire and subsequently sank in the same strategic waterway due to a mine explosion. This incident was corroborated by British security firm Vangradual, which also reported the sinking of a ship.
As the Houthis continue their missile campaigns, the Saudi-led coalition intensified airstrikes targeting oil installations in western Yemen. Coalition spokesman Turki Al Malki described the operations as aimed at facilities used to “threaten the kingdom, Yemen, the southern Red Sea and waterways.” Following a cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi government reaffirmed its resolve not to allow threats to its security or to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab Al Mandab Strait.
The recent escalation has affected the domestic sports calendar in Saudi Arabia. The country’s football league announced the postponement of three matches, including one featuring Al Nassr, the team for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays. Additionally, the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, initially scheduled for next week, was deferred to December.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Houthis on his Truth Social platform, alleging their actions reflect Iranian influence. He described their conduct as “very bad” and suggested it was carried out “probably at the behest of Iran.”