Riyadh targeted by Houthi missile and drone attacks

The Houthi movement in Yemen launched a significant wave of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting Saudi Arabia on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The attacks triggered air raid sirens in the capital, Riyadh, marking the first time the city has faced such alarms since July.

Saudi defense systems successfully intercepted one ballistic missile heading toward Riyadh. However, the strikes caused significant disruption at King Khalid International Airport, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Near the airport, a fuel storage tank bearing the Saudi Aramco logo caught fire, producing large plumes of black smoke; firefighters were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

The Houthis claimed the operation targeted sensitive facilities in Riyadh and Aramco energy infrastructure in Yanbu along the Red Sea coast as retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sanaa. Saudi authorities also reported intercepting attempted attacks against Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu.

The escalation follows a breakdown in the previous ceasefire and coincides with intensified fighting between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which has reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties. The United Nations Security Council has condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, while the U.S. State Department warned of rapid military escalation in the region.