The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh, Eastern Province, and the southern region on Saturday. The attack is part of a recent surge in Houthi strikes targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities. Major-General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition spokesperson, shared footage of the interceptions, showing the destruction of cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic missile launchers.
Riyadh’s King Khalid airport has faced at least 20 attacks since July, including one last week that resulted in 13 deaths. The conflict has also escalated in Yemen, with missile strikes near the presidential palace in Aden killing five people on Thursday. The Yemeni government blamed the Houthis for the attack and reported that two missiles were fired at Aden’s airport on Friday.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced on Saturday that Egypt is willing to defend Saudi Arabia if requested. He emphasized that Egypt is not seeking to intervene in regional conflicts but would act to protect Saudi Arabia from harm. Egypt’s parliament is holding an emergency session on Sunday at the president’s request.
Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging the Houthis’ escalation, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran supports a political resolution to the conflict. 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 recent attacks.