Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi ballistic missile fired at Riyadh

September 20, 2026 at 02:30 AM2 min

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Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthis toward Riyadh on Saturday morning, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said. The attack was the first air raid alert in the capital since an escalation in fighting began in July. No casualties or damage were reported.

Key Facts

Saudi air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on the morning of September 19.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the Houthis also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
The attack triggered the first air raid alert in Riyadh since an escalation in fighting with the Houthis began in July.
Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage from the missile attack.

Missile Interception

Saudi air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis toward Riyadh on Saturday morning, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a written statement. The missile was launched at dawn before being intercepted and destroyed, according to coalition forces fighting Yemen's Houthis. At least one explosion was heard in Riyadh, and residents near the airport reported seeing a large plume of black smoke later in the morning. Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage from the attack.

Houthi Attacks on Civilians

Al-Maliki said the Houthis continue to attempt to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Riyadh, home to more than 8 million citizens and residents. He described the deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians as a "terrorist and hostile act." The Houthis also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, but those attacks were thwarted by air defences.

Coalition Response

Al-Maliki said the coalition command has the inherent right to take appropriate measures to deter Houthi actions, in accordance with international humanitarian law and customary rules. Saudi Arabia warned of a "hostile aerial threat" and issued a string of emergency alerts across the kingdom overnight on Friday. The missile attack was the first air raid alert sounded in Riyadh since an escalation in fighting with the Houthis began in July.