Full Breakdown
Houthi Missile and Drone Strikes Target Riyadh Airport and Southern Saudi Cities
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 25 2026 the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two drones, a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait, and ten additional ballistic missiles toward southern Saudi Arabia. Interceptions also occurred over the Mecca and Medina regions, with debris falling in Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh and the al-Nuzha neighbourhood of Jeddah. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree reiterated that Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remained a “military target” and warned against its use.
Background & Context
The attacks follow the collapse of a UN-brokered truce in July 2026. In September the Houthis seized territory along the Red Sea coast, tightening control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key oil route. Saudi Arabia, involved in Yemen’s civil war since 2015, has intensified strikes against Houthi positions after these gains, adding a new front to the broader U.S.–Israel-Iran rivalry and worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
Data & Statistics
- October 10 2026 attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 and wounded more than 300.
- October 11 strike on the same airport killed 1 and injured 11.
- October 25: coalition destroyed 2 drones, 1 ballistic missile, 1 cruise missile, and 10 additional ballistic missiles.
- Saudi civil defence intercepted 2 ballistic missiles over Mecca and Medina; debris reported in four locations.
- UN warned 800,000 people remain trapped in Aden.
Official Statements & Responses
- Coalition spokesman Major-General Turki al-Maliki announced the interceptions on X and confirmed the destruction of ten ballistic missiles.
- Saudi civil defence issued alerts for Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait, later declaring the danger passed and noting debris in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh.
- King Khalid International Airport limited operations to Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international) while repairs continue.
- The UN and humanitarian agencies called for aid delivery to the trapped Aden population.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local observers in Mecca and Medina reported falling missile debris in residential districts shortly after the interceptions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The coalition says all missiles were intercepted; the Houthis claim they struck the airport and oil facilities.
- Saudi civil defence reported debris in the holy cities, while the Houthis denied targeting Mecca and Medina.
- Injury figures for the October 10 attack are consistent, but numbers for later strikes vary.
- Independent verification of alleged attacks on Saudi oil installations remains unavailable.
Why It Matters / Impact
The renewed Houthi campaign threatens Saudi Arabia’s aviation hub, disrupts global oil logistics and pressures the kingdom’s diversification plans. Air-raid alerts have forced airlines to limit operations, affecting travel and trade. The escalation deepens Yemen’s humanitarian emergency, with hundreds of thousands unable to receive aid, and highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in the wider regional power struggle.
What’s Next
Saudi civil defence will keep monitoring airspace over Riyadh and western provinces. King Khalid International Airport will continue operating only two of its five terminals while repairs proceed. The coalition has signalled ongoing strikes against Houthi positions, and the UN urges renewed diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire and enable humanitarian access.