Yemen's Houthis strike Saudi capital Riyadh for the first time

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Published: 2026-09-20T09:46:01.646Z • Permanent link

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experienced its first-ever direct attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saturday morning, leaving a fire burning near the city's main airport. The strike, which targeted Saudi military installations, was claimed by Houthi rebels as part of their ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia. According to reports, multiple missiles and drones were launched at various targets across the kingdom, including the airport. The attack is believed to have been carried out by Houthis using Iranian-supplied missiles and drones.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have been waging a devastating civil war against the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi since 2015. The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, displacement, and economic disruption, with the United Nations estimating that over 24 million Yemenis require humanitarian assistance. The conflict has also had far-reaching implications for regional stability, with Saudi Arabia and its allies launching a military campaign in support of the Hadi government. The attack on Riyadh is seen as a significant escalation of the conflict and a major development in the ongoing struggle between the Houthis and their opponents.

Riyadh's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous act of terrorism" that will not deter Saudi Arabia from defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Saudi government has also announced plans to increase military measures to counter the Houthi threat, including deploying additional troops and military equipment to the border region. The attack is likely to have significant implications for the already fragile peace process in Yemen, which has been stalled for months.

The attack on Riyadh has significant implications for the global defense and security industries, which are likely to be affected by the increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon Technologies, which supply military equipment and services to Saudi Arabia, may see increased demand for their products and services as the kingdom seeks to strengthen its defenses. The attack also raises concerns about the potential for Iranian-supplied missiles and drones to be used in future attacks, which could have significant implications for regional security.

The Houthi rebels, who have received significant support from Iran, may also see the attack as a strategic success, as it highlights the capabilities of their military and demonstrates their willingness to target Saudi Arabia. The attack may also have implications for the ongoing peace process in Yemen, which is supported by the United Nations and other international organizations. The Houthi rebels' rejection of a proposed ceasefire agreement and their continued use of Iranian-supplied missiles and drones may make it difficult to achieve a lasting peace in Yemen.

Global markets may also be affected by the increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with oil prices potentially rising in response to the attack. The attack may also have implications for the global economy, as it could lead to increased instability in the Middle East and potentially disrupt global trade and investment flows.