Riyadh, October 25, 2026: Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement have intensified after Saudi authorities said debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in several western parts of the kingdom, including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, while the Houthis separately claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military sites.
The Houthis denied that Islam’s holy cities of Makkah and Madinah were deliberately targeted, saying their operations were aimed at strategic and military infrastructure.
Two Ballistic Missiles Intercepted
Saudi Civil Defense said two ballistic missiles were intercepted on Saturday as they headed toward the Makkah and Madinah regions.
Authorities said parts of the intercepted missiles subsequently fell in populated or nearby areas.
Debris Falls in Makkah and Jeddah
According to the official Saudi statement, missile fragments fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah, while interception debris landed in Al-Nuzha in Jeddah, Wadi Jalil in Taif and Masturah in Rabigh Governorate.
No casualties were reported in the initial Saudi statement.
Houthis Deny Targeting Holy Cities
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree rejected claims that the group intentionally targeted Makkah or Madinah.
He said the group’s military operations were focused on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military installations.
Houthis Claim Attacks on Saudi Oil Infrastructure
The Houthis claimed to have targeted several major Saudi energy facilities.
These included an Aramco installation in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery, crude-oil pumping stations and parts of the East-West Pipeline.
Saudi authorities have not confirmed that these facilities suffered direct hits.
Riyadh and Dammam Airports Also Named
The Houthis also claimed attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Additional targets named by the group included Najran airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait.
Saudi Coalition Says Missiles Were Intercepted
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted ballistic missiles directed toward Yanbu and Taif.
It remained unclear whether any of the other targets claimed by the Houthis were struck or whether the attacks were intercepted.
Security Alerts Issued in Western Saudi Arabia
Saudi Civil Defense issued temporary alerts for several western regions, including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Yanbu.
Residents were asked to follow safety instructions and avoid gathering around falling debris before authorities later announced that the immediate danger had passed.
Riyadh Airport Warning Renewed
The Houthis have also renewed their warning to airlines and travellers against using King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The group has described the airport as a military target, even as flight operations begin returning to normal.
Aden Also Hit by Missile Attacks
The conflict also expanded inside Yemen.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government accused the Houthis of firing three ballistic missiles at coast guard installations in Aden. Two reportedly hit a coast guard headquarters, while another struck a building in Tawahi district.
Houthis Give Different Account
The Houthis said their forces had instead targeted Saudi-backed military gatherings and a naval base in Aden.
There has been no independent confirmation of the precise targets struck.
Escalation Follows Renewed Fighting
The latest exchange marks a serious deterioration after a United Nations-backed truce had largely reduced direct Saudi-Houthi cross-border attacks since 2022.
The renewed confrontation is increasingly linked to wider regional tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Saudi Arabia’s Oil Infrastructure Under Pressure
The latest Houthi claims have raised renewed concerns about Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.
Facilities such as Yanbu, Rabigh and the East-West Pipeline are important components of the kingdom’s oil export and refining network.
Any confirmed disruption could have implications for regional energy markets.
Makkah and Madinah Raise Particular Concern
Reports of missile debris near Makkah and Madinah drew significant attention because of the religious importance of both cities.
Makkah is home to the Kaaba and the annual Haj pilgrimage, while Madinah contains the Prophet’s Mosque.
The Houthis have repeatedly denied deliberately targeting the two holy cities.
No Major Casualties Reported From Debris
Saudi Civil Defense did not report deaths or major injuries from the falling missile fragments in its initial statement.
Emergency teams responded to the affected areas and implemented standard safety procedures.
Wider Regional Conflict Deepens
The latest escalation adds another layer of risk to the broader Middle East security situation.
Houthi attacks, U.S.-Iran tensions and instability around key Gulf energy and aviation infrastructure have increased concerns that localized clashes could develop into a wider confrontation.
Situation Remains Fluid
Saudi Arabia continues to monitor for further missile or drone attacks, while the Houthis have signalled that their campaign against Saudi targets will continue.
For now, the most important point is that Saudi Arabia reported intercepted missiles and falling debris, while the Houthis deny targeting Makkah and Madinah directly.
Source: Reuters, Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Civil Defense, India Today
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