World : Saudi Arabia Downs 2 Houthi Drones Targeting Riyadh Region

CAIRO - Yemen's Saudi-led coalition announced early Saturday that it had successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles and two drones fired by the Houthis towards the kingdom. The coalition reported on X that the missiles were aimed at Khamis Mushait and the drones at Riyadh, adding that it is monitoring the ongoing missile and drone threats. Saudi civil defense had issued alerts overnight for Khamis Mushait and Abha, but not for Riyadh.

The Houthis, who govern the majority of Yemen's population and significant northern regions, have been conducting attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. Their strikes have targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, causing pressure on global oil supplies due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and potentially jeopardizing the primary Red Sea route for Gulf exports. Simultaneously, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia's military chiefs, as well as defence allies Pakistan and Turkiye, discussed ongoing threats to the kingdom during a meeting in the Saudi capital. The three nations signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement last month, vowing to perceive an armed attack on any of them as an attack on all. The agreement aims to enhance collective deterrence and military cooperation.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman stated early on Saturday that he had confirmed with Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir in Riyadh their continued joint efforts to counter attacks against the kingdom in line with the pact.