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Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile as blasts reported in Riyadh

Saudi civil defence said it successfully intercepted a missile attack, with the National Early Warning Platform briefly issuing a danger alert before lifting it minutes later. Explosions were reported in the capital despite the interception claim.

LSN Malaysia · 20 October 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile as blasts reported in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's civil defence authorities said they intercepted a missile fired by Houthi forces, according to statements issued on Tuesday. The National Early Warning Platform issued a danger warning to residents but lifted the alert within minutes, indicating that "the danger has passed."

The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region involving the Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi-led forces. The militant group has repeatedly targeted Saudi territory with drone and missile strikes over recent years.

Local reports indicated blasts were heard in Riyadh, though the exact impact and damage from the incident remain unclear. Saudi civil defence did not provide immediate details on whether the intercepted missile caused any casualties or property damage.

The attack represents the latest in a series of aerial assaults attributed to the Houthis, who have demonstrated an evolving capability to strike targets across Saudi Arabia despite ongoing air defence operations by the kingdom and its coalition partners.