On the night of 15 November 2026, Saudi Arabia’s air defence forces intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Yemeni Houthis towards Riyadh. A further three drones were shot down over the country’s Eastern Province, where the kingdom’s main oil production facilities are concentrated.
- Saudi air defences shot down two Houthi ballistic missiles near Riyadh.
- Three more drones were intercepted over the country’s oil-producing region.
- The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on airports, ports and energy infrastructure.
- Saudi Arabia is stepping up its air strikes on the group’s positions in Yemen.
Missile attack on the capital of Saudi Arabia
A spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition, Major General Turki al-Maliki confirmed that both ballistic missiles had been destroyed. At around 04:08 local time, an air-raid alert was sounded in the capital, after which residents heard several powerful explosions.
The authorities later announced that the air-raid alert had been lifted. No reports of casualties or damage resulting from the night-time attack have been received.
The Houthis are stepping up their attacks on oil infrastructure
In recent weeks, the Yemeni Houthis have stepped up their missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabian territory. Last week, a missile attack damaged the Saudi Aramco building in the financial district of Riyadh.
The Eastern Province, home to Saudi Aramco’s headquarters and most of the country’s oil and gas fields, is also under regular attack.
According to the Saudi authorities, 26 people have been killed since September as a result of Houthi attacks, including 23 during attacks on airports.
Fighting in Yemen is intensifying
In response to cross-border attacks, Saudi Arabia has intensified its air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Active hostilities have continued since the breakdown of the long-standing ceasefire in the summer of 2026.
According to the International Organisation for Migration, between 1 August and 10 November, more than 333,000 people in Yemen were forced to flee their homes.
