Houthi Missiles: Saudi Coalition Intercepts 10 Over South
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said on Sunday, October 25, that it intercepted and destroyed 10 Houthi missiles launched from Yemen toward southern Saudi Arabia. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki announced the interception on X, but gave no details about injuries or damage.
The announcement comes as hostilities escalate between the Houthi group and the coalition, with attacks on Saudi aviation and energy infrastructure and coalition strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
Coalition Says It Shot Down 10 Ballistic Missiles
Al-Maliki said the Houthis aimed the 10 ballistic missiles at southern Saudi Arabia. He did not say where each one was headed or where the debris landed.
Earlier on Sunday, he reported a separate interception. The coalition destroyed a Houthi cruise missile that targeted the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait.
He also said coalition forces destroyed a ballistic missile and two drones launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh.
Riyadh Airport Changes Terminals From October 25
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced on Saturday that it would split its operations by terminal starting Sunday, October 25. Terminal 1 now handles domestic flights. Terminal 2 serves international flights operated by national carriers.
The airport advised passengers with confirmed bookings to contact their airlines and verify their flight and reservation status before traveling. Travellers can also follow updates from the General Authority of Civil Aviation Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s aviation regulator.
King Khalid International Airport is one of several Saudi airports targeted in recent attacks claimed by the Houthis. Some of those attacks have caused civilian casualties and disrupted air travel.
Early on Sunday, the Houthis renewed their warning to airlines, airport staff and travellers against using the Riyadh airport. The group’s spokesman said it was unsafe and remained a “military target.”
Houthis Claim Strikes on Airports and Oil Sites
On Saturday, the Houthis said they carried out seven military operations using ballistic missiles and drones. They said the targets were airports, oil facilities and an air base across Saudi Arabia, and described the attacks as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Yemen.
According to the group’s statement, the targets included:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- Aramco facilities in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery on the Red Sea coast
- Crude oil pumping stations and the East-West oil pipeline
- King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which the group called a “precise” strike that disrupted air traffic
- Najran airport near the Yemeni border
- The Khamis Mushait air base, where the group claimed direct hits
The Houthis alleged that Saudi Arabia carried out 100 strikes in 24 hours on civilian sites in Sanaa and other areas under their control, killing and injuring dozens. They also claimed Saudi forces had launched 3,123 airstrikes and missile attacks since the latest escalation began.
These are claims made by the Houthi group. The coalition’s account of damage and casualties has not matched them in the reports available so far.
Debris Falls Near Makkah and Jeddah
Saudi Civil Defence said its forces intercepted two Houthi missiles that the group launched toward the Mecca and Medina regions. Debris fell in four locations.
Parts of the missiles landed in Wadi al-Mughammas in Mecca. Interception debris fell in Jeddah’s al-Nuzha district, Wadi Jalil in Taif and Masturah in Rabigh.
Saudi channel AlEkhbariya said fragments of one missile fell in Wadi al-Mughammas near Arafat, 23 kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree denied targeting holy sites. He said the operation hit oil facilities and military bases, and that details would follow “in due course.”
Yemeni Army Reports Heavy Fighting
The Yemeni army said on Saturday that its forces “neutralised” 307 Houthi fighters and commanders in 736 operations over 24 hours. It said 68 military vehicles and weapons were destroyed or damaged.
The army said the operations hit command centers, troop concentrations, reinforcements, weapons depots and supply routes under the “Dawn of Yemen” offensive. It did not say how many Houthis its forces killed or wounded, and the group has not commented.
In Taiz province, the army said it struck a command center, heavy weapons positions and arms depots inside an abandoned hotel. It accused the Houthis of using the hotel as an observation post and firing position to threaten residential areas and maintain their siege of the city.
FAQs
What did the Saudi-led coalition intercept on Sunday?
The coalition said it destroyed 10 Houthi ballistic missiles fired toward southern Saudi Arabia. It also reported destroying a cruise missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, plus a ballistic missile and two drones headed for Riyadh.
Who is Turki al-Maliki?
Turki al-Maliki is the spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. He shared the latest interception reports on X.
Where is Khamis Mushait?
Khamis Mushait is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed a strike on its air base on Saturday, and the coalition said it shot down a cruise missile targeting the city on Sunday.
How are Riyadh airport terminals being used from October 25?
Terminal 1 at King Khalid International Airport handles domestic flights. Terminal 2 serves international flights operated by national carriers. Passengers should confirm their bookings with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Did the Houthi missiles target holy sites in Makkah and Medina?
Saudi Civil Defence said two missiles launched toward the Mecca and Medina regions were intercepted, and debris fell in several locations. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree denied the group targeted holy sites.
Which authority oversees civil aviation in Saudi Arabia?
The General Authority of Civil Aviation Saudi Arabia (GACA) regulates the kingdom’s aviation sector. The terminal notice in this report came from King Khalid International Airport, so passengers should check with their airlines for flight status.