Houthis launch ballistic missile towards Riyadh, Saudi Arabia intercepts it

Saudi air defense intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh on Saturday, September 19, 2026, according to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. No casualties or damage were reported following the interception.

The alert briefly placed the capital and the Al-Kharj area on high alert. Civil Defense had advised residents to stay away from open spaces, windows, and balconies before lifting the alert once the danger had passed.

The coalition also claimed to have thwarted other attempts against Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. The Houthis, for their part, have claimed several attacks against Saudi sites, including strategic infrastructure, but not all of their assertions have been independently verified.

This incident marks a new escalation in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. On September 8, 73 people were injured in Houthi attacks on four Saudi cities.

The Saudi coalition stated that it reserves the right to take measures to deter further attacks, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The UN Security Council condemned the attacks against Saudi Arabia and the threats to commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on September 19.