On Sunday, Saudi Arabia intercepted drones and missiles that were fired towards Riyadh and the southern regions of the country. This action was announced by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and comes as clashes with the Houthis continue.
Emergency alerts in Riyadh and southern regions
Saudi civil defense officials issued emergency alerts for the cities of Riyadh, Abha, and Khamis Mushait on Sunday, but shortly after announced that the danger had passed. The coalition noted that two drones and one ballistic missile were fired towards Riyadh, as well as one cruise missile towards Khamis Mushait. Additionally, ten other ballistic missiles fired towards southern Saudi Arabia were intercepted.
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Houthi threats and the status of the international airport
The Houthis have warned that they may attack King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh again. This airport, which resumed operations after a deadly attack earlier this month, has been designated as a "military target." Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, has warned all airlines, airport staff, and passengers to refrain from using this airport.
On Saturday, the Houthis announced that they attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities. Saudi officials did not comment in response to these statements.
Saudi Arabia has intensified its attacks against the Houthis after they seized strategic lands along the Red Sea coast last month. These areas are close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is a key global point for maritime transport and the oil export route for Gulf countries.
These clashes in Yemen have destroyed a UN-brokered ceasefire that had largely been in place since 2022. Saudi Arabia has been involved in the Yemeni civil war since 2015 as the leader of a coalition supporting the internationally recognized government.
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