Saudi Coalition Says It Intercepted Houthi Missile Aimed at Riyadh as Airport Reopens

The Saudi-led military coalition said on Monday, October 26, 2026, that it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis toward Riyadh, after the group claimed a new attack on King Khalid International Airport. Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said air defences also destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group "successfully targeted" the airport. The day before, explosions rattled Riyadh and authorities texted residents a warning of a "hostile aerial threat." The Houthis have staged repeated strikes on the airport this month, including one that killed 13 people and injured more than 300, the deadliest in the kingdom in over a decade. Saudi Arabia has reopened the airport, while the Houthis have threatened further strikes. The coalition also said it destroyed five tunnels used to store ballistic missiles, a missile depot and four launch platforms, and hit Houthi fortifications, gatherings and equipment along front lines inside Yemen.

Left-leaning coverage, represented here by The New York Times, leads with Saudi Arabia reopening the Riyadh airport despite Houthi threats of more strikes. It describes the militia's several deadly attacks this month, but offers no coalition statements, casualty figures or Houthi claims in the material available. Right-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing; left-leaning and alternative outlets had, focusing on the airport attacks and the coalition's military response. Alternative outlets add the most detail. The Hindu leads with the interception, the 13 deaths and quotes from both Al-Malki and Saree, while Middle East Eye centres on coalition claims of destroyed tunnels, a depot and launch platforms. Both sides identify the Houthis as Iran-backed and describe deadly airport attacks; they differ mainly in emphasis, on reopening versus military operations.