The Saudi defense ministry announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi rebel group towards Riyadh. The missile was intercepted by the Saudi military, according to a statement by the ministry's spokesperson, Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who have been involved in a longstanding conflict in Yemen.
The Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent months, including a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In response, the Saudi military has been on high alert, with the defense ministry vowing to take a firm stance against such attacks. The ministry's statement on Monday did not provide further details on the missile or the damage it may have caused.
The Saudi aviation authority announced on Monday that it had extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, citing the need to verify the safety of the airport's facilities. The suspension was initially imposed following the Houthi attack on the airport, and the authority said it would remain in place until further notice.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing risks associated with military activity and interference with navigation systems. The FAA's warning comes amid growing concerns about the safety of air travel in the region, following a series of attacks on Saudi airports.
The US embassy in Riyadh has announced that US government employees will be required to obtain special permission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance security measures for US citizens in the kingdom, amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels.
The incident has sparked concerns about the impact of the conflict on air travel and passenger safety. The Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which has led to disruptions in air travel.
The Saudi government's response to the attack has been firm, with the defense ministry vowing to take all necessary measures to protect the kingdom's security and stability. The incident comes as Saudi Arabia continues to navigate the complexities of the conflict in Yemen, where it has been involved in a longstanding military campaign against the Houthi rebels.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia's defense ministry intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards Riyadh.
- The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who have been involved in a longstanding conflict in Yemen.
- The US embassy in Riyadh has announced that US government employees will be required to obtain special permission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
