Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Houthis Claim Riyadh Missile Strikes as Smoke Rises Near Airport
The Houthis said they fired missiles and used drones against important places in Riyadh.
People saw flames and a large cloud of black smoke near the city’s airport.
A journalist also heard loud booms.
The Houthis said they attacked an oil facility in Yanbu too.
Saudi Arabia warned people in Riyadh and Al-Kharj about possible attacks.
Later, officials said the danger had passed.
Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm that the Houthis caused the smoke.
Its military coalition said it destroyed a missile headed toward Riyadh and stopped other attacks.
The Houthis said their strikes were a response to an attack in Sanaa.
The Houthis said they attacked sensitive sites in Riyadh with missiles and drones on Saturday, September 19.
Flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen near Riyadh’s main airport, while a journalist reported hearing booms.
The Houthis also claimed they attacked a Saudi Arabian Oil Company facility in Yanbu.
Saudi authorities issued aerial-attack alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj before announcing an all-clear.
Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm the Houthi claims, while its military coalition said it destroyed a missile aimed at Riyadh and foiled other attacks.
- Who
- Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility; Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led military coalition issued warnings and reported defensive actions.
- What
- Missile and drone attacks were claimed against sites in Riyadh, along with an alleged attack on an Aramco facility in Yanbu.
- When
- Saturday, September 19, after overnight alerts and amid an escalation that began in July.
- Where
- Near Riyadh’s main airport and in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia; alerts also covered Al-Kharj.
- Why
- The Houthis said the operation was retaliation for an attack in Sanaa.
Houthi Account
Saudi and Coalition Account
Whether the claimed attacks occurred
Houthi Account
The Houthis said they struck sensitive sites in Riyadh with missiles and drones and attacked an Aramco facility in Yanbu.
Saudi and Coalition Account
Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm the claims or explain the smoke, while its coalition said it destroyed a missile aimed at Riyadh and foiled attacks elsewhere.
Cause of the operation
Houthi Account
The Houthis said the strikes were a response to an attack in Sanaa and accused Saudi Arabia of conducting recent airstrikes.
Saudi and Coalition Account
Saudi authorities did not immediately provide a public account linking the smoke to the Houthi claims or respond to the group’s justification.
Scope of the conflict
Houthi Account
The Houthis said they were responding to Saudi actions and have described their attacks as part of their campaign against Riyadh.
Saudi and Coalition Account
The United Nations Security Council condemned Houthi attacks affecting civilian and energy infrastructure and also condemned the group’s military escalation in Yemen.
- Claimed attackers
- Yemen’s Houthis
- Claimed weapons
- Missiles and drones
- Main location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Visible incident
- Flames and a large plume of black smoke near Riyadh’s main airport
- Additional claimed target
- A Saudi Arabian Oil Company facility in Yanbu
- Saudi response
- Aerial-attack alerts were issued for Riyadh and Al-Kharj, followed by an all-clear
- Coalition account
- The Saudi-led military coalition said it destroyed a missile fired toward Riyadh and foiled attacks in several Saudi cities
- International response
- The United Nations Security Council condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia
