Houthis fire fresh missiles towards Riyadh
Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a ballistic missile and drones on the day the airport resumed international operations.
Follow-up to: Riyadh airport resumes international flights Sunday, 25 October 2026, 13:24
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Shortly after Riyadh’s international airport resumed flights, the Houthis again fired missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia says the projectiles were intercepted; the Houthis claimed the attack.
The Saudi coalition said on Sunday that a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh had been intercepted and destroyed. According to Saudi authorities, drones in the capital region and a cruise missile heading towards Khamis Mushait were also intercepted. Reuters additionally reported that Saudi Arabia spoke of several missiles heading towards the south of the country.
The Houthis, the armed movement that controls large parts of Yemen, claimed the attack. Independent verification of the individual launches and interceptions was not available at the time of publication. The Houthis have previously warned Saudi Arabia that they continue to regard Riyadh airport as a target.
The attack came on the same day that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resumed its international operations. The airport had previously been closed following an attack in which, according to Saudi authorities, people were killed and injured. The reopening was intended as a sign that air traffic could partially resume, but the new attack highlights the security risks.
Saudi Arabia issued warnings for Riyadh and several southern regions on Sunday. According to the authorities, the danger had later passed. There was no report that the airport had been closed again because of the new attack.
The escalation is taking place against the backdrop of the war in and around Yemen and a broader regional confrontation involving Iran and the United States. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government; the Houthis are aligned with Iran, although experts disagree on the precise extent of Iran’s operational support.
For travellers to Saudi Arabia, the situation remains uncertain. The resumption of international operations in itself offers no guarantee of the safety of future flights. Airlines and authorities may adjust their timetables or security measures again.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Saudi Arabia reported interceptions of missiles and drones.
- The Houthis claimed the attack.
- Riyadh airport resumed international operations on the same day.
- Independent verification of all military claims is lacking.
Left
Arguments A left-wing approach emphasises that new attacks primarily affect civilians, travellers and regional stability, and calls for diplomacy, humanitarian protection and an end to military escalation.
Values Civilian safety, international law, humanitarian aid and restraint in the use of military force.
Consequences Greater diplomatic pressure could limit escalation, but may be insufficient in this assessment as long as attacks on infrastructure continue.
Centre
Arguments An institutional approach combines diplomacy with limited defensive protection for airports and shipping, provided that objectives and proportionality are clear.
Values Security, proportionality, international cooperation and continuity of connections.
Consequences Targeted defence could reduce risks, but could also increase the likelihood of further retaliatory action if the wider war is not brought to an end.
Right
Arguments A right-wing approach emphasises deterrence and the right of Saudi Arabia and its allies to protect strategic infrastructure and respond militarily to attacks.
Values National security, deterrence, sovereignty and the protection of economic infrastructure.
Consequences A tougher response could deter new attacks, but could also lead to a broader regional war and greater risks for aviation and energy.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article clearly distinguishes between Saudi reports, Houthi claims and independently confirmed facts. The main development and date have been confirmed by several public sources.
- confirmed Saudi Arabia reported that a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh had been intercepted. — Reported by the Saudi press agency and Reuters. source
- confirmed Drones and a cruise missile were also intercepted, according to Saudi Arabia. — Reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera on the basis of Saudi authorities. source
- confirmed The Houthis claimed the attack. — Reported by Al Jazeera. source
- confirmed King Khalid International Airport resumed international operations on Sunday. — Reported by Reuters. source
Editor's note
The interceptions were reported by Saudi authorities and repeated by Reuters and Al Jazeera. The Houthi claim and the precise scale of the attack could not be independently verified.Sources
The story so far
- Saturday, 24 October 2026, 19:43 Houthis report new attacks on Saudi Arabia
- Sunday, 25 October 2026, 08:41 Saudi Arabia reports intercepting Houthi missile and drone
- Sunday, 25 October 2026, 13:24 Riyadh airport resumes international flights
- Sunday, 25 October 2026, 21:54 Houthis fire fresh missiles towards Riyadh (this article)