Saudi Air Defenses Intercept and Destroy Houthi Ballistic Missile Bound for Riyadh

Riyadh, September 19, 2026 : The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Brig. Gen. Turki Al Maliki, said the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh at dawn Saturday.

Coalition Condemns Attacks on Densely Populated City

In remarks cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al Maliki said the escalation pursued by the Houthis, along with their persistent attempts to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Riyadh — home to more than eight million citizens and residents — underscores their determination to deliberately and systematically attack civilians in what he described as a terrorist and hostile manner.

Other Cities Also Targeted, Coalition Says

Al Maliki said the Houthis also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in the cities of Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, stressing that air defenses successfully thwarted these attempts as well.

Coalition Reserves Right to Respond

Al Maliki further stated that the coalition command retains the right to take any measures it deems appropriate, in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules, to deter the Houthis' continued attacks.

Source: QNA