World · 2026-10-25 · Afternoon briefing

Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile and drone barrage

Saudi Arabia’s military intercepted a significant barrage of missiles and drones on Sunday fired by Iran-aligned Houthis. A coalition spokesman, Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed that ten ballistic missiles aimed at the southern region were destroyed, along with a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait and another ballistic missile and two drones heading for the capital, Riyadh. The Houthis claimed responsibility for seven operations targeting sites including King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

The attack comes as Riyadh’s main airport resumed operations, following a Houthi strike on October 10th that killed 13 people and was the deadliest in over a decade. Fears of wider conflict and supply disruption pushed Brent crude to a six-month high, closing up 3.1% at $116.72 a barrel. It was the benchmark's third consecutive week of gains.

The market jitters are compounded by wider regional tensions. Last week, the US ordered non-emergency government staff to leave Saudi Arabia, and President Donald Trump made remarks suggesting potential strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran after the November 3rd midterm elections.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

Read the sources

• Saudi air defences intercept Houthi barrage near Mecca
• Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones and Missiles as Fighting With Yemen's Houthis Continues
• Saudi Air Defences Intercept 10 Houthi Missiles as Escalation Threatens Riyadh Airport Reopening
• Houthis fire barrage of missiles at KSA
• Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone Targeting Southern Region

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