Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched by the Houthis on October 13, 2026, with debris from two cruise missiles injuring four people in Riyadh and damaging 15 homes. The coalition confirmed attacks on Dhahran and Haradh, while airlines suspended flights amid escalating tensions.
Saudi Arabia’s military intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched by the Houthis on October 13, 2026, with debris from two cruise missiles injuring four people in Riyadh and damaging 15 homes. The coalition confirmed attacks on Dhahran and Haradh, while airlines suspended flights amid escalating tensions.
Houthis Launch Multiple Attacks on Saudi Territory
The Houthis, a Yemeni militia backed by Iran, launched multiple missiles and drones targeting Saudi cities on October 13, 2026. According to a statement from the Saudi-led coalition, a ballistic missile was intercepted near Dhahran in the Eastern Province, with debris falling in a residential area. Another ballistic missile was shot down near Haradh in the Eastern Province. The coalition claimed to have destroyed three cruise missiles and drones in the Riyadh and Southern regions.
The Saudi Civil Defense confirmed that four people were injured when debris from two intercepted cruise missiles hit residential areas in Riyadh. The agency reported damage to 15 homes, though no fatalities were immediately linked to this specific attack. Earlier this month, the Houthis had targeted Riyadh’s international airport, killing 13 people and injuring 309 on Saturday, and killing at least one Pakistani resident and injuring 11 others on Sunday, according to the Saudi government.
Airlines Halt Flights Amid Escalating Threats
International airlines have suspended flights to and from Saudi airports amid the ongoing conflict. Qatar Airways temporarily halted operations from Riyadh and Dammam, citing the current situation.
Etihad Airways canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, noting that all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh would remain canceled until October 19. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has maintained a closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, with a NOTAM indicating it would remain closed until at least October 17.
Houthis Claim Responsibility and Warn of Further Attacks
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks, stating they targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a military base. In a statement, the group warned international airlines to avoid flying to Saudi airports. The Houthis have intensified attacks since July 2026, targeting Saudi airports, oil facilities, and military installations, according to the coalition’s reports.
Saudi’s military has accused the Houthis of using civilian infrastructure, including fuel storage facilities and power plants, to sustain their military operations. A coalition spokesperson stated that the Houthis use civilian objects and vital sources to feed their war effort. The group has also been blamed for recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Trump Expresses Concern over Houthi Escalation
The U.S. has expressed concern over the Houthis’ escalation, with President Donald Trump stating that the Houthis are behaving very badly
during comments to reporters at the White House. However, no direct military intervention has been announced.
The conflict has intensified since 2015, when Saudi Arabia led a coalition to support the legitimate Yemeni government. The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have been accused of using civilian infrastructure to launch attacks.
