Saudi Arabia says it intercepted Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh
Saudi authorities lifted a danger alert in Riyadh after reporting a missile interception. Britain separately announced defensive air missions to help protect Saudi cities.
Saudi Arabia said on 20 October that it had intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, where a danger alert was briefly issued and AFP journalists heard two blasts. The reported interception comes as Britain prepares defensive air missions to help protect Saudi cities from aerial attacks.
Turki Al-Malki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition backing Yemen’s government, said the missile had been intercepted and destroyed. AFP journalists in Riyadh reported hearing two blasts, but the cause of those sounds was not established. The coalition’s account of the interception has not been independently verified.
Saudi civil defence said the National Early Warning Platform had warned of a potential danger in Riyadh. It lifted the alert a few minutes later, saying the danger had passed. Later that evening, Al-Malki reported that a drone had also been intercepted in the Riyadh area, according to AFP.
Britain announces defensive Typhoon missions
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on 20 October that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets would fly defensive missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi drones and missiles, Reuters reported. The ministry said the aircraft would not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis. Its announcement followed a request from Saudi Arabia’s government.
Defence Minister Wes Streeting cited attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Riyadh airport, as he announced the additional support. Britain will also deploy an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers. Support announced in September included an RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft but no fighter jets, making the Typhoon missions an expansion of Britain’s assistance.
Escalation across Saudi Arabia and Yemen
Houthi attacks have shut Riyadh airport and forced the postponement of a major investment conference, AFP reported. Saudi aircraft have regularly targeted the Houthis amid fighting in Yemen between the group and the Riyadh-backed government. Reuters reported that attacks on Saudi oil facilities and other infrastructure had intensified in recent weeks.
The wider conflict escalated after a fragile truce dating from 2022 fell apart in July, according to AFP. The Houthis subsequently declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and attacked its ships, territory and oil facilities. Reuters also reported that authorities in Yemen said a Houthi strike on 19 October killed 58 people at a training camp for Saudi-backed government security forces.
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Sources and context
- Saudi says intercepted Houthi missile, blasts heard in capitalChannel NewsAsia, carrying AFP reporting
- Britain sends Typhoon jets to shield Saudi skies from Houthi drones, missilesThe Straits Times, carrying Reuters reporting
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.