Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles and Drones Over Riyadh and Eastern Province

Saudi coalition forces early Sunday intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis toward Riyadh and destroyed three drones targeting the Kingdom’s Eastern Province, according to official statements. A Saudi Civil Defense alert sounded at 4:08 a.m., warning Riyadh residents of an incoming aerial threat. Minutes later, three loud explosions were heard before authorities issued an all-clear notification. Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, confirmed on X that Saudi air defenses had successfully intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missiles targeting the capital, while also downing three drones headed for the Eastern Province. The interceptions are part of an intensified campaign of Houthi strikes against Saudi airports, military installations, and energy infrastructure. Recent attacks have damaged Aramco facilities in Riyadh’s financial district and targeted King Khalid International Airport and other civilian airports across the Kingdom. Since September, Houthi cross-border attacks have resulted in 26 fatalities, with 23 of the casualties occurring in strikes targeting airports, according to official tallies. The Eastern Province, home to Saudi Arabia’s primary oil and gas reserves and Aramco’s headquarters, has been repeatedly threatened in recent weeks. An earlier attack in October caused extensive damage to Aramco’s facilities, while the latest strikes on Riyadh’s financial district have heightened concerns over the security of the Kingdom’s critical infrastructure. In response, the coalition has intensified airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to degrade the militia’s cross-border attack capabilities.

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