Saudi Arabia Downs Houthi Drones Near Riyadh
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted two drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards the Riyadh region on Saturday, September 26, as missile and drone attacks against the kingdom intensified.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drones Near Riyadh
The Saudi-led coalition said both drones were destroyed before reaching their intended targets. Authorities did not immediately report casualties or damage linked to the attempted attack on the capital region.
Saudi forces also intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Khamis Mushait in the southwest of the country, an area that hosts a major military air base.
Civil defence alerts were issued in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Jazan as authorities monitored further threats.
Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks Intensify
The latest attempted strikes come amid a renewed escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
The Houthis have carried out a series of missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory in recent days, including attempted strikes on cities, infrastructure and energy facilities.
Earlier attacks have also targeted areas around Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu, increasing security concerns across the kingdom.
Regional Tensions Raise Energy Security Concerns
The escalation comes as wider Middle East tensions continue to affect major energy and shipping routes.
Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and vessels in the Red Sea have added pressure to regional energy security at a time when traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also faced disruption.
A senior Houthi political official described the group’s latest operations as a limited indication of what could follow in a broader escalation.
Saudi authorities have maintained that the kingdom will take measures necessary to defend its territory and civilian population against continued missile and drone attacks.
