Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 24, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly targeting Riyadh and a drone over the Eastern Province on Saturday, according to statements from the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi movement. The incidents came amid continued cross-border attacks and heightened security concerns across the kingdom.
Missile intercepted near Riyadh
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh early Saturday. The announcement followed an early-warning alert issued by Saudi Civil Defense.
Two explosions were heard in the Saudi capital shortly after the alert, according to an AFP journalist cited by Gulf News. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the explosions or report whether the missile interception caused damage or injuries.
Drone intercepted over Eastern Province
The coalition also reported intercepting and destroying a drone over Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The interception came as Saudi authorities continued monitoring potential aerial threats in several areas, including Riyadh, Najran and Wadi ad-Dawasir. The warnings were issued amid a broader series of reported missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory.
The Eastern Province is strategically important because it contains major oil facilities and energy infrastructure. Attacks or disruptions in the area could have implications for Saudi security and regional energy markets.
Background: Renewed Cross-Border attack
The latest incidents follow a series of reported attacks attributed by Saudi-led coalition officials to Yemen’s Houthi movement.
On Friday, October 23, the coalition said it had intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, two drones heading toward the southern region and another ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait. The coalition has also reported interceptions over other parts of the kingdom during October.
The Houthis have been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014. Saudi Arabia has supported the government through a military coalition since 2015. Fighting intensified again in July 2026 after an uneasy period of relative calm, according to regional reporting.
Saudi officials have attributed the recent attacks to the Houthis, while the group has repeatedly denied some accusations involving missile and drone launches against the kingdom. Individual incidents should therefore be assessed based on available evidence and official statements.
