Saudi Intercepts Houthi Drones over Riyadh and Medina

International Desk

Publish : 22 Oct 2026, 07:58 PM

Photo: Representational

The Saudi-led military coalition announced that four drones launched by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels were shot down over Riyadh and Medina.

Confirming the interception of the drones today, Thursday (October 22), coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki stated that the drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh and Medina regions.

A fresh surge in clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis erupted in July, after the Saudi-led coalition attempted to prevent a plane carrying Houthi leaders back from Iran from landing in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. Outraged by the move, the Houthis launched strikes targeting Saudi airports and oil refineries.

In response, the Saudi coalition launched a new offensive, "Operation Dawn of Yemen," aiming to displace the Houthis from Sanaa, triggering fierce fighting across various regions of Yemen.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have continued regular strikes into Saudi territory. Amid the escalation, Saudi Arabia accused the Yemeni armed group of targeting Mecca and Medina with drone attacks—a claim the Houthis completely rejected.

The Houthis dismissed the allegations of targeting Mecca and Medina as "despicable falsehoods."

Amid the escalating exchanges, the Houthis declared a ban on Saudi airspace, warning that no aircraft would be allowed to operate anywhere in Saudi Arabia except over the Mecca and Medina regions. Yesterday, the Houthis struck Dammam Airport, leaving two people dead.
Source: Al Jazeera

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