Houthis Launch Missile Strikes on Saudi Airports and Cities
Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi cities and airports, prompting the evacuation of United States personnel and the movement of the Crown Prince to bunkers.
The Houthis launched a series of ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles targeting Riyadh and southern cities, including Khamis Mushait, on Sunday. Saudi forces intercepted ten ballistic missiles, two drones, and one cruise missile. The attacks follow a Saturday strike on Saudi oil facilities and a previous October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people and wounded over 300.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned travelers and staff that the airport remained a "military target." This escalation follows the Houthi seizure of strategic territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and effectively ends a UN-brokered truce that had largely held since 2022. In response, Saudi Arabia has increased its own strikes against the group.
The instability has caused intermittent closures of principal airports, leading wealthy citizens to flee and discouraging overseas pilgrims. The United States Government evacuated its personnel from Saudi Arabia due to security threats. Amid the turmoil, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly been moved between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers.
