The Saudi Arabian Air Defense Command shot down five ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement that were aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait on Monday night. The missiles, detected at 09:00 GMT, were intercepted 12 km from the target cities, preventing a potential mass casualty event that could have escalated the already volatile situation. Spokesperson Mohammed Al‑Hajri said the interceptions demonstrate the kingdom’s readiness to neutralise threats.
The attack follows a series of Houthi strikes on the kingdom’s main international airport in Riyadh, where 18 people lost their lives and over 300 were injured. The airport’s runway was closed for 10 days, forcing flights to divert to Jeddah and Damman. One flight attendant, Fatima Al‑Sharif, said she was forced to take unpaid leave as the airport’s operations halted.
The unrest has rippled into the business community. CEOs of several companies, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, have expressed concern over the security of upcoming international gatherings. The World Petroleum Congress was cancelled, and the Misk Global Forum organizers postponed the event to next month.
U.S. officials have been briefed on the escalating crisis. Senior fellow Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment said the Houthis now feel they hold the advantage, and that a U.S. military presence may not deter future attacks. In response, Saudi authorities are tightening air‑space restrictions and urging foreign firms to postpone events until the situation stabilises.