Story perspectives

Saudi intercepts Houthi missiles and drones over Red Sea

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia’s coalition intercepted ballistic missiles and drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Sep 24-26, 2026.
The interceptions triggered civil-defence alerts, highlighting risk to Red Sea oil export routes.
Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said Saudi-Pakistan cooperation under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement continues to counter attacks.
The UK approved Saudi request to station a refuelling aircraft for defensive fighter missions.

History

Historical Context

In January 1991, Iraq launched 88 Scud missiles, many at Saudi oil facilities, prompting the United States to deploy Patriot batteries that defended the kingdom and Israel. The war’s coalition, including Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Kingdom, demonstrated how multinational air-defence cooperation can shield regional energy routes, a pattern that still guides Red Sea security efforts today.

1 of 2

Story summary

Saudi Arabia’s coalition intercepted ballistic missiles and drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Sep 24-26, 2026.
The interceptions triggered civil-defence alerts, highlighting risk to Red Sea oil export routes.
Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said Saudi-Pakistan cooperation under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement continues to counter attacks.
The UK approved Saudi request to station a refuelling aircraft for defensive fighter missions.

1 / 2