Saudi Arabia Downs Houthi Ballistic Missile Amid Escalating Attacks on Airports
Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushayt in the Kingdom’s southwest early Monday, as concerns over a series of attacks on the country’s critical infrastructure continued to grow.
The interception was confirmed by Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, in a post on X. Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued an emergency alert warning of a potential attack on Abha before subsequently declaring that the threat had passed.
The incident highlights renewed security concerns across southwestern Saudi Arabia, where Khamis Mushayt and Abha, both situated in the Asir region, have reportedly faced repeated missile and drone attacks in recent weeks. The Houthi movement has also targeted Jazan and Najran, two regions bordering Yemen.
The latest developments come amid a series of reported attacks on Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure, including airports in Riyadh and Dammam, raising concerns about passenger safety and the possibility of further escalation.
On Sunday, a Pakistani national was killed and 11 people were injured after an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, triggering a fire. The General Authority of Civil Aviation said the injured were taken to hospital, while authorities began evaluating the damage.
The incident was the fourth reported strike involving Riyadh’s airport in five days. Coalition forces also announced that they had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile near the airport.
The latest incident followed a missile attack on Saturday that reportedly killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 at the capital’s airport. The attack was described in reports as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Footage aired by Saudi state television showed religious pilgrims waiting near an airport gate before a bright orange flash triggered panic and sent people running for safety. Parts of the terminal roof appeared to collapse in the footage. The airport was subsequently closed.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack and said they had also targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the Eastern Province, as well as two facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority confirmed that Dammam’s airport had been targeted on Sunday evening. Damage assessments and safety inspections were initiated following the incident.
The continuing attacks have intensified concerns about the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia’s civilian infrastructure and the potential consequences for regional stability. Riyadh supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its ongoing conflict with the Houthis.
Diplomatic efforts to contain tensions have also continued. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Sunday about regional developments and efforts to de-escalate the conflict, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Araqchi said Iran was willing to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The discussions followed messages of solidarity with Saudi Arabia from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, Jordan and the European Union after the reported attacks on Riyadh’s airport.
With missile interceptions continuing in the southwest and reported strikes affecting major aviation hubs, attention remains focused on Saudi Arabia’s air defence capabilities and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
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