Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted Houthi Drones Near Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted two drones launched by Yemen's Houthis towards Riyadh on Saturday, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed group.

"Air defences intercepted and destroyed two drones launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards the Riyadh area," the coalition spokesperson said in a statement posted on X.

The coalition spokesperson separately said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-launched ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The city is home to a major air base.

The latest incidents come amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who have expanded their control along Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have also targeted Saudi interests and shipping in the region, raising concerns over oil exports and regional energy supplies.

Hezam Alasad, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, said on Saturday that the group's operations represented only a preliminary step toward a broader escalation.

"Despite the operation's strength, scope, and impact, our armed forces view it as merely a small-scale rehearsal for a full-scale escalation," he said.