Houthi militants launch series of attacks against Saudi Arabian facilities

On October 6, 2026, the Iran-aligned Ansar Allah movement, commonly known as the Houthis, announced that it had conducted a series of coordinated attacks against targets within Saudi Arabia. The strikes involved the use of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Specific targets identified by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saria included the international airport in Riyadh, an ARAMCO refinery located in Rabigh, and various military installations and airfields in the southern region of the country. Residents and journalists reported hearing powerful explosions in the capital city of Riyadh throughout the previous night.

In response to these developments, the Saudi-led coalition intervening in the Yemeni conflict stated that it had conducted retaliatory airstrikes against military targets in the Hodeidah port area, which is currently under Houthi control. Simultaneously, Turkey and Pakistan have announced plans to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia following a mutual defense agreement. These attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict, as multiple international actors prepare to bolster the kingdom's security defenses.