Saudi Air Defences Stop Houthi Missiles: 2026

Saudi Air Defences Intercept Houthi Missiles Targeting Riyadh

November 11, 2026

2 minute read

Saudi air defences shot down missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthis at several Saudi cities overnight, the Saudi-led coalition said on Tuesday. It reported intercepting a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Riyadh, a ballistic missile fired towards the south and a drone over the oil-rich east.

Saudi Air Defences Intercept Missiles Aimed at Riyadh

Civil defence alerts sounded in the capital and in Abha and Khamis Mushait, and officials later said the threats had passed. The response shows the readiness of Saudi forces at a time of intensifying hostilities.

Competing Claims Over the Airport and Oil Sites

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed strikes on King Khalid International Airport and an oil facility in Abqaiq, and Saudi Arabia did not immediately comment. The airport’s recent disruption was covered in What Happened Near Riyadh Airport?.

The Houthi-run Saba news agency said Saudi airstrikes hit a petrol station and a state oil company building in Sanaa. The Houthis also said they targeted the East-West Pipeline in Riyadh Province, while denying a Saudi report of an attack in the Medina region that caused a limited fire without affecting operations.

Energy Routes and Pakistan’s Steady Support

Fighting has grown since September, when the Houthis advanced towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Riyadh now sends about 4 million barrels of crude a day through the pipeline to Yanbu, roughly 4% of global supply, so the route matters well beyond the Gulf.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi security and backs diplomacy to calm the region. Protecting energy routes and holy cities through coordinated defence and steady talks would also safeguard fuel supplies and prices for importers such as Pakistan.