Houthis claim missile and drone attack on Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait

September 14, 2026 at 06:31 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Yemen's Houthi movement said on Monday it struck King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, southwestern Saudi Arabia, with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The group claimed direct hits and significant damage to hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the attack, even as its civil defense briefly issued a danger warning for the area.

Key Facts

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the attack on King Khalid Air Base involved dozens of ballistic missiles and drones.
The Houthis said the operation was a response to more than 300 Saudi airstrikes on Yemen over the past five days.
Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense issued a danger warning for Khamis Mushait but later said the threat had passed.
Saudi authorities said 73 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks in the south of the country last week.
The Houthis have occupied the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands about 160 km north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to AP.

The Claimed Attack

The Houthi movement's SABA news agency said the strike targeted King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the attack used dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots. The Houthis claimed direct hits and significant damage to the base, but Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the reports. The group said the operation was retaliation for more than 300 Saudi airstrikes on Yemen in the previous five days, involving F-15 and Typhoon fighters from Khamis Mushait and Taif.

Saudi Response and Regional Escalation

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense issued a warning for Khamis Mushait but later announced the danger had passed and urged residents to follow emergency instructions. Saudi authorities said 73 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks in the south of the country last week, with fires and temporary disruptions to energy facilities. Fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces renewed in July when the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have expanded their presence near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, occupying the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands about 160 km north of the strait, according to AP.