World · India Bureau
Saudi coalition reports intercepting Houthi missiles as Riyadh airport hit
The Saudi-led military coalition said it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces toward Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. Smoke was visible at the capital's airport, with flights cancelled and civilian infrastructure damaged.
LSN India ·
Smoke rose from King Fahd Road International Airport in Riyadh on Wednesday following what authorities attributed to Houthi missile strikes, forcing the suspension of flight operations. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group, one targeting Riyadh and another aimed at Khamis Mushait in the southern Asir region.
The attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure in the capital, including a kindergarten and hospital facility, according to initial reports. The extent of casualties or structural damage remained unclear as emergency services assessed the situation.
The incident marks an escalation in cross-border strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition that has been engaged in conflict in Yemen since 2015. The militant group has periodically launched drone and missile attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia, drawing coalition air defense responses.
Airport authorities announced a temporary halt to flight schedules pending completion of security assessments. The coalition has maintained an air defense system across major Saudi cities to counter such attacks, though occasional strikes have reached civilian areas in recent years.