Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh as attacks escalate

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile over Riyadh on October 12, 2026, amid escalating cross-border attacks. The interception follows widespread coalition airstrikes that destroyed 136 military targets across Houthi-controlled Yemeni regions, including Saada. Fighting reignited in July 2026 after Houthis seized Yemen's Red Sea coast, leading to expanded drone and missile strikes on Saudi transport hubs, civilian targets, and major oil infrastructure.

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

• ▪The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Houthi forces toward the Saudi capital of Riyadh on October 12, 2026
• ▪Houthi forces attacked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, drawing condemnation from India
• ▪Houthi forces launched drone and missile attacks targeting transport hubs across Saudi Arabia
• ▪Houthi forces targeted oil facilities and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia using drones and missiles

Saudi coalition strikes in Yemen

• ▪Houthi-run Almasirah TV reported that Saudi missiles struck targets in the northwestern Yemeni governorate of Saada
• ▪The Saudi-led coalition carried out a reported airstrike on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa on October 9, 2026
• ▪The Saudi-led coalition launched a large-scale military operation on October 10, 2026, destroying 136 Houthi military targets in Yemen

Fighting along Yemen's Red Sea coast

• ▪Yemeni government forces conducted operations to recapture Red Sea coastal territory seized by pro-Iranian Houthi fighters
• ▪Houthi forces seized Yemen's coastline during a lightning offensive last month, extending their control over the entirety of Yemen's Red Sea coast

Debatable claims

• ▪Houthi control of Yemen's Red Sea coast poses an unacceptable threat to international maritime trade
• ▪The Saudi coalition's large-scale airstrikes are a proportional response to Houthi missile attacks
• ▪Houthi strikes on Saudi transport hubs violate international humanitarian standards
• ▪Saudi air defenses are effective at protecting key domestic infrastructure from Houthi attacks