Saudi Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles and Drones

The Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen intercepted two drones targeting Riyadh and two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushayt on September 26, 2026. These strikes follow a pattern of increased aggression since the Iran-backed Houthi militia declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, which has already seen attacks on energy infrastructure and vessels in the Red Sea.

In response to the escalating threats, military chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye met in Riyadh to discuss the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. This collective deterrence pact establishes that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud reaffirmed joint efforts with Pakistan's army chief to confront the ongoing attacks.

International support for Saudi security expanded as French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of soldiers, radars, and defense systems to protect the oil export port of Yanbu, which had been targeted by previous missile strikes. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the September 26 attacks as a grave violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.

These hostilities occur amid a broader U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which has strained global oil supplies and left the Strait of Hormuz largely blocked.