Houthi Missile Intercepted Near Riyadh Amid Airport Attacks
A ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted north of the Saudi capital on Wednesday, according to Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki. The coalition confirmed it is currently tracking the launch platform, which is located in Sanaa.
Escalating Attacks on Aviation Infrastructure
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed via X that the group specifically targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile. Saree further asserted that strikes successfully hit Abha airport and the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait.
While flight-tracking site Flightradar24 recorded brief disruptions at King Khalid International, Saudi authorities have not officially confirmed any direct strike on the facility itself.
The violence extended to Yemen, where the Transport Ministry in Aden reported that Houthi forces launched at least two ballistic missiles and several drones at the Aden airport at dawn. The attack caused significant operational chaos:
- A Yemenia flight arriving from Cairo was forced to abort its landing and divert to Jeddah.
- Airport staff were forced to evacuate the terminal.
- Two aircraft, including one from Aden Airways, were moved to safety to avoid potential damage.
No casualties were reported during the Aden incident, though the Houthis claimed their target was Saudi military supplies located at the Badr camp near the airport.
Military Escalation and 'Operation Dawn'
These strikes occur during a period of intense military activity known as 'Operation Dawn.' This renewed ground offensive involves approximately 100 coalition fighter jets attempting to retake strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
The human cost of the fighting has been significant. Sources told AFP that more than 270 government and Houthi fighters were killed in a single day of combat earlier this week. Additionally, Saudi civil aviation reported that previous attacks on airports in Jazan and Najran on Monday evening resulted in injuries to three people.
Regional Market and Political Impact
The ongoing instability is beginning to ripple through regional financial markets. Following the recent escalations:
- Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul index slipped by 0.2 percent.
- Markets in Abu Dhabi and Qatar saw slight easing of 0.1 percent.
Energy analysts are also monitoring the situation closely. The US Energy Information Administration projects that Brent crude will average $105 per barrel in the fourth quarter of 2026, reflecting long-term volatility concerns.
On the political front, US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have addressed the growing tensions regarding Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have moved to activate deterrence under the Mecca joint defence agreement, although Turkey has yet to ratify the deal. In Sanaa, Houthi supporters demonstrated their presence on Wednesday through an armed tribal rally.