Saudi-led forces intercept ballistic missile from Houthi rebels
The attack was part of a series of strikes that have hit Riyadh over the past three days, leaving at least 14 people dead and causing widespread destruction.
Saudi-led forces have successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels towards Riyadh, according to coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki.
The attack was part of a series of strikes that have hit the Saudi capital over the past three days, leaving at least 14 people dead and causing widespread destruction.
In a statement on X, Al-Maliki confirmed that one missile was fired at Riyadh and two towards Khamis Mushait, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Residents of Riyadh reported hearing powerful explosions on Monday night after receiving a text message warning them of an aerial threat.
The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their target had been King Khalid International airport.
The closure of King Khalid International airport in Riyadh has been extended until this Saturday due to ongoing security concerns following a recent Houthi missile attack that killed at least 13 people and injured over 300 others.
As a result of the attacks, airlines have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, leaving many passengers stranded. The Saudi authorities announced the airport's closure on Sunday, just one day after the second strike in as many days. This latest incident resulted in one fatality and 11 injuries.
The Houthi rebels' strikes are part of a broader conflict that has been raging in Yemen for years, with the group fighting against forces aligned with the internationally recognized government. The Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support to these ground forces as they battle for control of the country.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud addressed the recent attacks on airports during a speech at an energy conference in Riyadh, stating that the events of recent weeks pose a serious challenge to the kingdom's resilience. He emphasized that the government must respond with equal seriousness and determination.
An investigation has been launched into why Saudi air defences failed to intercept the Houthi missiles, according to two regional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The initial findings suggest that the Houthis used drones to clear a path for a mix of cruise and ballistic missiles, which then successfully targeted the airport.
The Houthis' arsenal includes ballistic missiles equipped with warheads that can alter their course mid-flight, posing a significant challenge to Saudi defenses.
Investigations into the latest attack are focusing on why earlier warning systems failed to detect the incoming projectiles, which traveled over 1,000 kilometers from Yemen's borders to reach Riyadh. This distance highlights the limitations of Saudi air defense capabilities and raises questions about the effectiveness of their interceptors.
US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the situation, criticizing the Houthis for their actions but stopping short of indicating any intention to intervene militarily. In a statement, he described the group's behavior as "no good."
The ongoing Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, have put a strain on events planned in the city this month. The kingdom's flagship investment conference and the WPC Energy Congress, which features top oil executives, are among those affected.
Several major airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from Riyadh due to the security concerns. Etihad Airways has halted all flights to Riyadh until next week, while Gulf Air will not operate any flights to Riyadh until Saturday. Meanwhile, Delta Airlines has delayed its direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh, which were set to launch on October 23.
Facts based on reporting originally published by Al Jazeera.
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