Houthis Attempt Ballistic Missile Strike on Saudi Capital

Saudi Arabia confirmed on September 19 that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack its capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis stated that the attempt was thwarted and there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The Houthis had claimed earlier to have targeted 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities of oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, causing 'massive fires'. However, these claims could not be independently verified. The Houthi military spokesperson, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, stated that they attacked with cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones.

The conflict near the Red Sea has brought new pressures for markets and raised concerns about global shipping corridors. Saudi Arabia is reportedly running low on missile interceptors and has asked France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt for air defense support.