Saudi-led coalition forces and Houthi rebels traded aerial strikes on Friday, October 16, 2026. The coalition reported destroying drones and missiles over Saudi territory and the Red Sea, while the Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi-operated Wing Loong II drone over the Yemeni province of Marib.
Coalition Intercepts Missiles and Drones
Saudi airspace and the Red Sea faced multiple aerial threats Friday morning. The Saudi-led coalition announced it intercepted these attacks.
Forces destroyed three drones in the kingdom’s southern region and near Riyadh, according to coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki. They also destroyed two cruise missiles over the Red Sea and a ballistic missile aimed at Yanbu.
Other coalition reports state they destroyed four drones and three missiles across various regions of the kingdom and over the Red Sea.
The civil war flared back to life in July. Since then, the UN Security Council noted that Riyadh’s airport has been targeted at least 20 times this month alone.
The Houthi militia reported a successful defensive strike in Yemen at the same time. Saree stated the aircraft was neutralized using a suitable weapon. He provided no further technical details on the engagement.
Riyadh Links Houthi Strikes to Iran
Saudi officials call these strikes clear violations of international law. They link the Houthi campaign to Iranian support.
Raed Krimly, the Saudi deputy minister for public diplomacy, stated that the latest Houthi attacks are occurring with encouragement from Iran
. He argued that Tehran continues to arm, train and support the Houthi militia in violation of UN security council resolutions.
Riyadh previously invited the Houthis to talks in Muscat to find a diplomatic settlement. Those efforts stalled.
In the beginning of this escalation we asked them to meet in Muscat, but they refused, and that was the last contact that took place a few weeks ago,
Krimly said.
Riyadh maintained communication with Iran, but Krimly asserted Tehran appeared unwilling to reach a solution
. The Houthis also refused to engage in settlement efforts.
The kingdom will not be lenient in protecting its citizens, residents, and visitors,
Krimly emphasized. He affirmed continued support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
France Secures Saudi Oil Facilities
France is implementing practical measures under a bilateral agreement to protect energy transit centers. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux confirmed the French government is moving forward with plans to assist in securing Saudi oil facilities.
President Emmanuel Macron announced last month that France would deploy personnel and defensive systems to Saudi Arabia. This deployment focuses on the protection of Yanbu, a critical energy hub on the Red Sea coast.
The French government confirmed operations have started. Specific details regarding the scope and nature of these defensive assets are undisclosed.
Houthis Target Saudi Military Sites in Aden
A missile attack attributed to the Houthis targeted the presidential palace in Aden on Thursday. Saree claimed the strike aimed at a Saudi war operations headquarters
within the city.
Houthi-affiliated media detailed that the operation targeted weapons depots and the headquarters of military operations led by Saudi officers at Al-Maashiq Palace. This aligns with the group’s policy of targeting Saudi military presence across Yemen.
Saudi artillery shelled areas in Saada province, near the Saudi-Yemen border, according to Houthi-affiliated media.
The French government has not disclosed the scope or nature of the defensive assets it is deploying.
