Houthi militants launch drone and missile attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, explosions were reported in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following an emergency aerial threat alert issued by the Civil Defense. Residents received mobile notifications around 3:00 a.m., marking the first such alert for the capital since hostilities with Yemen’s Houthi group escalated in July. Smoke was observed near King Khalid International Airport, and reports confirmed that an Aramco fuel tank caught fire near the airport, causing flight delays.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, claimed responsibility for the operations, stating that a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeted sensitive locations in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The Saudi-led coalition later reported that it had intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and thwarted attempted attacks in cities including Bisha, Taif, and Farasan. The Houthis stated the strikes were retaliation for earlier actions in Sanaa.

Following the attacks, the Saudi-led coalition intensified its military response, with the Houthis reporting 28 airstrikes by Saudi forces across various Yemeni provinces on Sunday. There have been no immediate comments from the Saudi government regarding the impact on infrastructure, though the situation remains highly volatile as both sides continue to exchange fire.