Saudi-led coalition intercepts incoming missiles as cross-border attacks escalate

RIYADH — The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh, a drone in the Riyadh region, and a cruise missile aimed at Khamis Mushait on Sunday morning, amid an escalation in cross-border attacks.

The latest aerial interceptions followed an announcement by Riyadh airport that international flights would resume from Terminal 2 on Sunday, while Terminal 1 was designated for domestic flights. Operations at King Khalid International Airport had been halted on October 10 after a Houthi attack resulted in 13 deaths and more than 300 injuries.

Despite the resumption of flights, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that the airport remained unsafe and served as a military target. The Yemeni Armed Forces issued a statement cautioning all international, regional, and local airlines, staff, and travelers against using the facility, stating that the Saudi regime would bear the consequences of any operations there.

The broader conflict has intensified across both Saudi airspace and Yemeni territory. The Saudi-led coalition subsequently reported intercepting 10 ballistic missiles fired toward southern Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting three Saudi airports, energy installations, a pipeline, and an airbase.

The Saudi civil defence agency reported responding to falling debris in the Mecca and Medina regions on Saturday after intercepting two Houthi missiles. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca and Medina, describing the Saudi claim as a “huge lie.”

On the ground in Yemen, fighting has intensified around the strategic city of Taiz, where Houthi forces advanced on Jabal Sabr, a mountain overlooking the city. The United Nations warned that time is running out to deliver aid to 800,000 people trapped in Taiz. Meanwhile, Yemen’s government forces stated they conducted more than 700 operations against Houthi targets on Saturday and claimed to have killed more than 300 fighters.