Explosions were heard across Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, early Sunday as authorities prepared to resume airport operations following a two-week shutdown caused by repeated Houthi attacks. However, uncertainty remains over the extent of the airport’s reopening as security threats continue.
The Saudi-led military coalition said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh and destroyed two drones in the capital region.
Later, coalition forces also intercepted a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia. Authorities issued further warnings for Abha and Namas.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi locations, including airports and energy infrastructure. An earlier attack this month reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines, airport staff and travellers against using King Khalid Airport, describing it as “unsafe” and a “military target”.
The latest escalation follows the collapse of a long-standing truce between the Houthis and Yemen’s government, backed by Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Saudi civil defence officials responded to falling debris in the Mecca and Medina regions after intercepting two missiles. The Houthis denied targeting the two cities.
