RIYADH, October 9, 2026 — Yemen’s Houthi forces claimed a fresh wave of ballistic and cruise missile strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and an airport in the southern city of Najran late on Thursday, marking one of the most intense attacks on the Saudi capital in recent days.
Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a late-night statement that the group had targeted the two airports and disrupted flights. Saree added that the rebels had also struck the Royal Saudi Air Force’s King Khalid Air Base. The claims could not be independently verified.
Earlier on Thursday, the Houthis had issued a stark warning to global airlines, telling them “for the last time” to stay out of Saudi airspace, which the group described as a theatre for its military operations. The rebels also warned people in the kingdom to stay away from oil facilities, days after a major refinery south of the capital was hit.
Smoke Over the Capital
Images verified by international news agencies showed a thick column of black smoke rising over Riyadh airport, while witnesses reported hearing several explosions in the capital. According to accounts cited by international media, outgoing flights were halted and passengers were told to leave their checked luggage behind and evacuate the terminal.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly half of Riyadh’s departures had been cancelled by Thursday afternoon, with dozens more cancellations expected on Friday.
Rare Admission of Civilian Damage
In a rare acknowledgement, Saudi civil defence authorities said debris from a missile interception had damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. No casualties were mentioned. Statements by the kingdom’s civil defence confirming civilian targets being hit have been uncommon in recent weeks of escalating attacks.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles fired toward Riyadh and another toward Khamis Mushait, near the Yemen border.
Two witnesses cited by international media said a Saudia plane at the airport had suffered cracks and holes in its fuselage, while a source briefed on the matter said three aircraft were damaged.
Airlines and Embassies on Alert
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia said it was aware of attacks targeting the Riyadh airport and warned American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance, cautioning that the conflict had “the potential to escalate.” US government employees were told to obtain special authorization before using the airport.
The latest barrage follows Wednesday’s attacks, which the kingdom said killed one person and wounded others at the civil aviation hub — part of a campaign that has repeatedly targeted Riyadh since the conflict flared again in July.
Frequently Asked Questions: Houthi Missile Strikes on Riyadh and Najran Airports
What did the Houthis claim in the latest round of strikes?
Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed a fresh wave of ballistic and cruise missile strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and an airport in the southern city of Najran late on Thursday, adding that the group had also struck the Royal Saudi Air Force’s King Khalid Air Base. The claims could not be independently verified.
Was any civilian damage reported?
Yes. Saudi civil defence authorities said in a rare acknowledgement that debris from a missile interception had damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. No casualties were mentioned.
How badly were flights disrupted?
Outgoing flights at Riyadh’s airport were halted, with passengers told to leave their checked luggage behind and evacuate the terminal. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly half of Riyadh’s departures had been cancelled by Thursday afternoon, with dozens more cancellations expected on Friday.
Were any aircraft damaged?
Two witnesses cited by international media said a Saudia plane at the airport had suffered cracks and holes in its fuselage, while a source briefed on the matter said three aircraft were damaged.
What did the Saudi-led coalition say?
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles fired toward Riyadh and another toward Khamis Mushait, near the Yemen border.
What warnings did the US issue?
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia said it was aware of attacks targeting the Riyadh airport and warned American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance, cautioning that the conflict had “the potential to escalate.” US government employees were told to obtain special authorization before using the airport.
