Explosions shook Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, after the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The incident followed Houthi accusations that Saudi strikes killed civilians in western Yemen, intensifying tensions between the opposing sides.
Saudi officials said air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Houthis reported deadly attacks on residential homes in Yemen, highlighting the mounting human cost of the renewed conflict.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Two Missiles Targeting Riyadh
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki announced that air defences had destroyed two incoming ballistic missiles.
“Air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards Riyadh,” al-Malki said in a post on X.
Correspondents in Riyadh reported hearing at least eight explosions as authorities issued an alert warning residents of a hostile aerial threat.
Saudi Civil Defence also warned of “potential danger” in Riyadh, Kharj and the southern city of Najran. Authorities lifted the warnings shortly afterwards.
The incident came amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. Previous strikes reportedly hit Riyadh airport, forcing its closure for two weeks and disrupting major events.
These attacks have also raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions.
Houthis Report 12 Deaths in Western Yemen
The Houthi health ministry reported that Saudi strikes killed 12 people and critically injured three others in Al-Barah, within Maqbana district.
According to its initial toll, the victims were targeted at residential homes belonging to the families of Ibrahim Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qouz and Al-Raabi Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qouz.
The ministry stated, “As an initial toll, 12 citizens were killed and three others were critically injured when the Saudi enemy targeted the homes of the families of Ibrahim Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qouz and Al-Raabi Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qouz in Al-Barah, Maqbana district,”
The reported casualties have not been independently established in the supplied information.
On Wednesday, the Houthis also claimed that Saudi strikes killed at least 14 people at a petrol station and market. Separately, Houthi attacks on the airport in Aden, a government stronghold, reportedly wounded civilians.
Yemen Conflict Escalates After Truce Breakdown
The renewed violence follows the collapse of a fragile truce established in 2022. Hostilities intensified during the summer after the Houthis allowed an Iranian aircraft to land in Sanaa, defying Saudi control over Yemeni airspace.
Subsequently, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships, territory and oil facilities. They also seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline during a rapid military campaign.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has continued conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions.
According to United Nations figures, more than 1,600 people have died in Yemen since hostilities resumed. Additionally, over 275,000 people have been displaced.
Saudi Arabia and Yemen Face Mounting Security Risks
The latest missile interceptions and reported civilian casualties underline the widening consequences of the conflict. Saudi Arabia faces security threats to major infrastructure, while Yemen continues to endure displacement and destruction.
The war began in 2014, when the Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition entered the conflict the following year to support the internationally recognised government.
Despite earlier efforts to maintain a truce, renewed attacks have deepened instability across Yemen and increased security concerns throughout the region.
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