The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's government said it intercepted and destroyed two drones and two ballistic missiles launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia early Saturday, according to coalition and media reports.
Coalition Forces spokesman Col. Turki Al-Maliki said in a post that two drones launched toward the Riyadh area were intercepted and destroyed at around 4 a.m. local time, with ballistic missiles intercepted roughly 30 minutes later, according to Arab News.
Reports differ slightly on the targets involved: while most outlets describe the attack as directed at Riyadh, Arab News and The Jerusalem Post also name Khamis Mushait as a target of the missile and drone attack.
According to Semafor, Saudi Arabia has signed defense agreements with Pakistan and Türkiye, but neither country has been willing to deploy troops to assist the kingdom.
How each side covered it
Center
- Center outlets reported the coalition intercepted two drones and two ballistic missiles headed for Riyadh.
- Arab News detailed the timeline, citing coalition spokesman Col. Turki Al-Maliki's statements on the interceptions.
- Semafor noted that Saudi Arabia's defense partners, Pakistan and Türkiye, have not deployed troops to help despite signed agreements.
“Coalition defenses thwart Houthi missile and drone attack on Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt” — Arab News
Right
- The Jerusalem Post reported the coalition intercepted missiles and drones targeting both Khamis Mushait and Riyadh.
“Saudi coalition says it intercepts Houthi missiles, drones targeting Khamis Mushait, Riyadh” — The Jerusalem Post
Questions readers ask
What happened in the attack on Riyadh?
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two drones and two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi militia toward Riyadh early Saturday, with some reports also citing Khamis Mushait as a target.
Who launched the drones and missiles?
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia launched the drones and ballistic missiles, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
Were there any casualties or damage reported?
None of the supplied reports mention casualties or damage from the intercepted drones and missiles.
Does Saudi Arabia have allies helping defend against these attacks?
According to Semafor, Saudi Arabia has defense agreements with Pakistan and Türkiye, but neither has deployed troops to assist the kingdom.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Arab NewsCenterCoalition defenses thwart Houthi missile and drone attack on Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt
- EuronewsCenterSaudi coalition intercepts Houthi drones bound for Riyadh
- ReutersCenterSaudi coalition says it intercepts Houthi missiles, drones
- SemaforCenterSaudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles
- The Straits TimesCenterSaudi says it intercepted 2 drones launched by Houthis towards Riyadh
- The Jerusalem PostRight-leaningSaudi coalition says it intercepts Houthi missiles, drones targeting Khamis Mushait, Riyadh