The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis reported intercepting and destroying four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and southern regions on Saturday. Major-General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition spokesperson, shared footage of the air force targeting cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic missile launchers linked to the Houthis. The attacks come amid a surge in Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and oil facilities, including at least 20 attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid airport since July.
Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated his willingness to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, emphasizing that Egypt would not stand by while the kingdom faced harm. He clarified that Egypt’s involvement would be purely defensive. The Egyptian parliament is set to hold an emergency session on Sunday at the president’s request.
The conflict has intensified, with recent missile strikes near Aden’s presidential palace killing at least five people and attacks on Aden airport. The Yemeni government accused the Houthis of these assaults, while government forces claimed advances in Marib province. Saudi Arabia continues to support a government counteroffensive, including air strikes on Houthi targets, such as an oil facility in Sanaa.
Several embassies in Saudi Arabia have issued travel restrictions and airport usage warnings. The Saudi Ministry of Education extended remote learning for students in Riyadh and Diriyah due to the ongoing threats.