Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. Debris damaged a kindergarten and medical clinic complex in Riyadh, while airlines suspended flights amid escalating tensions.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted three ballistic missiles reportedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Thursday, October 8, as tensions intensified across the region.
According to the Saudi-led coalition, two missiles were heading towards the capital, Riyadh, while the third was directed towards Khamis Mushait, a city near the Yemeni border. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said forces intercepted and destroyed all three missiles.
The interception came amid reports of explosions near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Yemen’s Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed that the group had launched a ballistic missile towards the airport and struck its intended target. However, the Houthis’ account of the strike was separate from the coalition’s statement about the three intercepted missiles.
Missile Debris Damages Kindergarten and Medical Complex
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence agency said debris from an intercepted missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh.
Emergency teams responded to the incident and carried out standard safety procedures. The agency did not immediately confirm whether anyone suffered injuries in the debris incident.
The incident raised further concerns about the risks to civilian infrastructure as missile attacks and interceptions continued around the Saudi capital.
Houthis Claim Airport Strike
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile on Thursday afternoon. He claimed the attack damaged the airport and disrupted air traffic.
Witnesses reported hearing several explosions in Riyadh, including near the airport. Separate media reports described damage to an aircraft at the airport, although details surrounding the incident continued to develop.
The Houthis have also warned airlines against using Saudi airspace, threatening aircraft operating over much of the kingdom. Their warning exempted airspace over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Air India and Lufthansa Suspend Riyadh Flights
The latest developments disrupted international air travel, prompting airlines to change their schedules.
Air India announced cancellations of flights to and from Riyadh until at least the weekend. Germany-based Lufthansa Group also suspended Riyadh services through October 16, according to Reuters, as airlines assessed the security situation.
Indian airlines urged passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport. The disruptions could affect passengers connecting through Riyadh or travelling between India and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-Houthi Tensions Escalate
The missile interceptions came amid an intensifying conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group based in Yemen.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of airports, civilian facilities and commercial aviation across the region. Saudi authorities have continued monitoring potential threats, while airlines assess the risks associated with operating in Saudi airspace.
With the Houthis threatening further attacks and Saudi defences intercepting incoming missiles, the situation remains volatile. The full extent of the damage and the impact on regional air travel will depend on further official updates.
