Houthis Claim Large-Scale Attack On Saudi Arabia As Riyadh Issues Air-Raid Alert
Mian Nadeem | Published September 19, 2026 | 10:45 PM
Yemen’s Houthi forces spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that large-scale attacks had been carried out against Saudi Arabia using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. According to the Houthis, sensitive targets in Riyadh were hit.
An Arab broadcaster reported that Saree stated the operation was a response to recent Saudi airstrikes on Yemen. He rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusation that the Houthis had targeted Makkah.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities issued air-raid alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj during the night. Local reports indicated explosions near Riyadh, with smoke and flames later spotted at the capital’s main airport. Saree also claimed a separate operation targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu, causing large fires. However, these claims could not be immediately independently verified.
Subsequently, Saudi Arabia retracted the air-raid alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj, providing no definitive details regarding damage or casualties. The Houthis further alleged that Saudi Arabia conducted 26 airstrikes in Yemen over the past 24 hours.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. US President Donald Trump has extended sanctions against Iran and plans to discuss its nuclear program at the United Nations next week.
Iran, in turn, claimed it had targeted an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident, coupled with disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, has heightened global concerns regarding energy supplies and shipping security. Commercial vessels and shipping companies have implemented additional safety measures due to ongoing security risks in the region.
An investigative mission operating under a United Nations mandate concluded there was reasonable evidence suggesting potential US violations of international humanitarian law during two attacks on Iran in February. However, determining final legal responsibility will be within the domain of relevant legal institutions.