Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed drone and ballistic missile attacks on the Saudi capital Riyadh and on energy sites along the Red Sea coast, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Saudi authorities confirmed intercepting and destroying one ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh but did not verify further strikes or casualties, while air raid alerts sounded in the capital for the first time since the Houthis stepped up attacks in July, briefly disrupting flights at King Khalid International Airport.

Houthi spokesman Yahya al-Sarea said missiles and drones had targeted "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, describing it as retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sanaa, and claimed Saudi Arabia had carried out 300 strikes across Yemen in the past week. Saudi defences also reportedly repelled attacks on Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. Separately, fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces reportedly killed 48 people on Saturday, and the UN's migration agency said more than 104,796 people have now been displaced by the recent violence, as the Houthis' seizure of Mokha and Perim Island continues to raise fears over oil supply disruption.