Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting strategic locations, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, amid heightened regional tensions.
The attacks occurred early Sunday as Saudi authorities prepared to reopen the airport, with the Iran-backed group warning international airlines and travellers against operating flights to the facility.
According to coalition reports, Saudi air defence forces intercepted 10 missiles fired towards the kingdom’s southern regions, as well as a ballistic missile and two drones heading towards the capital, Riyadh.
The coalition also reported intercepting a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait, while additional aerial threats were detected over Abha and Namas Governorate.
Residents of Riyadh reportedly heard several explosions in the early hours of Sunday after receiving emergency alerts warning of an incoming hostile aerial threat and advising them to seek shelter.
Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, reportedly declared King Khalid International Airport a military target and warned that it was unsafe for commercial aviation.
The spokesperson also said the Saudi government would bear responsibility for any risks faced by airlines and passengers operating through the airport.
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The rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on three Saudi airports, energy facilities, an oil pipeline and an air base within 24 hours. They also reported launching strikes against a naval base and a military camp in Aden, Yemen.
The latest offensive has further heightened tensions following a major Houthi operation last month in which the group reportedly seized control of parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline.
Meanwhile, Saudi civil defence authorities said debris from intercepted missiles was cleared in the Mecca and Medina regions following the interception of two missiles on Saturday.
Houthi officials, however, denied targeting the two holy cities, dismissing the allegations.
The renewed attacks pose a fresh security challenge for Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil exporters, as threats to energy infrastructure raise concerns about regional stability and the potential disruption of oil supplies.
The attacks have also heightened concerns over aviation safety, disrupted air traffic and unsettled businesses, while raising questions about the security of critical infrastructure in the kingdom.