Houthi militants launch major attack on Saudi Arabia as regional tensions escalate

On Monday, October 5, 2026, the Iranian-backed Ansar Allah movement, commonly known as the Houthis, launched a large-scale attack against strategic locations in Saudi Arabia. The group utilized a combination of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles to target the international airport in Riyadh, an Aramco oil refinery in Rabigh, and various military installations and airfields in the southern region of the kingdom. Residents and journalists in Riyadh reported hearing powerful explosions during the night, with vibrations felt in residential areas near the airport.

In response to these strikes, the Saudi-led coalition initiated retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi-controlled military targets in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Meanwhile, regional security dynamics have shifted as Turkey and Pakistan announced plans to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under existing mutual defense agreements. These developments mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict within the Arabian Peninsula.

While reports confirm the occurrence of the explosions and the subsequent coalition airstrikes, there is currently no information regarding casualties or the full extent of material damage. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in cross-border military operations, with international observers closely monitoring the impact on regional security.