Yemen's Houthis Target Saudi Capital Riyadh with Missile Attacks for the Third Consecutive Day

The Saudi Arabian government has announced that it has thwarted a new missile attack launched by the Houthis from Yemen targeting the capital Riyadh, as the attacks have been ongoing for the third consecutive day within the country.

The spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, Turki Al-Maliki, stated that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles, one of which was launched at Riyadh, while the other two were aimed at the city of Khamis Mushait in the southwest of Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand, the Houthis claimed that the attack on Riyadh targeted King Khalid International Airport, where flight operations are still suspended following previous attacks that caused many deaths and injuries.

Reports related to the recent attacks indicate that at least 14 people have died, while more than 300 others have been injured in various attacks targeting Riyadh.

The Houthis also stated that they carried out drone attacks on a military base located in Khamis Mushait.

King Khalid Airport is reported to remain closed until Saturday, with airlines canceling or postponing their flights to Saudi Arabia.

Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates announced that it has suspended flights to Riyadh until next week, while Gulf Air of Bahrain also canceled its flights to Riyadh until Saturday.

On the other hand, Saudi officials have begun an investigation to determine why air defense systems failed to intercept some of the earlier attacks on Riyadh airport.

According to regional officials speaking to the Associated Press news agency, the preliminary investigation indicates that unmanned aircraft were initially used, before missiles of various types were launched.

The Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, stated that the attacks on the airports are a tough test of the country's resilience, however, he emphasized that the Vision 2030 plan aimed at developing the Saudi economy and investing in the country will continue.

The Houthis have also warned international airlines and travelers to avoid using Saudi airports, except those in Mecca and Medina, arguing that other airports are not safe.

A Houthi official added that Saudi oil facilities and airports could be other targets.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Houthi attacks, but did not specify any particular action Washington would take.

On the other hand, a Houthi official warned that if the U.S. becomes directly involved in the Yemen war, they will respond quickly, which he stated could target the U.S. and its interests in the region.

These attacks come at a time when the Yemen war is still ongoing, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces, while the Saudi coalition supports that government.