Amid consistent attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels, the Kingdom Center skyscraper in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh told people employed there to work from home. The 99-storey Kingdom Center, one of Saudi Arabia's tallest buildings made working from home "mandatory" with no reason given. The new order is effective immediately and will be in power until further notice, the building's management told tenants, AFP reported.&nbsp;The move came after two drones were intercepted in the Riyadh area, a third over the Eastern Province and two ballistic missiles in southern Saudi Arabia overnight.&nbsp;The building house important offices like the International Monetary Fund, wealth management company Merril Lynch and consulting giant McKinsey &amp; Company, among others.&nbsp;However, the shopping centre at the ground floor of the building will remain open for now.&nbsp;"Please be advised that remote working arrangements are mandatory for all office employees at Kingdom Centre, effective immediately and until further notice," building management said in an email obtained by AFP.&nbsp;Though, there was no specific reason given for the decision, experts says it is keeping in view the repeated attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels.&nbsp;<h2>King Khalid International Airport attack</h2>&nbsp;The heightened security concerns also comes after the deadly Oct 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 others.&nbsp;The dead include four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, and one each from the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Sudan and the Palestinian territories, besides the Indian, who hailed from Hyderabad and was travelling with his family for the Umrah pilgrimage.&nbsp;The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia for supporting government forces in Yemen's civil war, as well as an air strike on the airport in Sanaa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The building house important offices like the International Monetary Fund, wealth management company Merril Lynch and consulting giant McKinsey & Company, among others.

Amid consistent attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels, the Kingdom Center skyscraper in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh told people employed there to work from home. The 99-storey Kingdom Center, one of Saudi Arabia's tallest buildings made working from home "mandatory" with no reason given. The new order is effective immediately and will be in power until further notice, the building's management told tenants, AFP reported. The move came after two drones were intercepted in the Riyadh area, a third over the Eastern Province and two ballistic missiles in southern Saudi Arabia overnight. The building house important offices like the International Monetary Fund, wealth management company Merril Lynch and consulting giant McKinsey & Company, among others. However, the shopping centre at the ground floor of the building will remain open for now. "Please be advised that remote working arrangements are mandatory for all office employees at Kingdom Centre, effective immediately and until further notice," building management said in an email obtained by AFP. Though, there was no specific reason given for the decision, experts says it is keeping in view the repeated attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels. King Khalid International Airport attack The heightened security concerns also comes after the deadly Oct 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 others. The dead include four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, and one each from the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Sudan and the Palestinian territories, besides the Indian, who hailed from Hyderabad and was travelling with his family for the Umrah pilgrimage. The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia for supporting government forces in Yemen's civil war, as well as an air strike on the airport in Sanaa.

The building house important offices like the International Monetary Fund, wealth management company Merril Lynch and consulting giant McKinsey &amp; Company, among others.

Saudi Arabia asks skyscraper employees to work from home amid Houthi threats

India on Wednesday (Oct 14) strongly condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. The statement comes after an Indian national died following a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10.&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attacks, including the latest strike on Aramco headquarters, as unacceptable and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;"There has been a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia, including yesterday’s attack on Aramco headquarters. We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure and call for them to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty and hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region," he said.&nbsp;Providing an update on the October 10 attack on Riyadh airport, Jaiswal said 12 people were injured, including an Indian national who later died. Of the remaining 11 injured Indians, three have been discharged, while eight continue to receive treatment, including four in the intensive care unit (ICU).&nbsp;He said Indian Embassy officials were regularly visiting the injured and coordinating with their families. The last rites of the deceased Indian national were performed in Riyadh in accordance with his family's wishes, with assistance from the embassy.&nbsp;"The attack on 10 October injured 12 people, one of whom unfortunately passed away. His last rites were performed in Riyadh, as wished by his family, with assistance from the embassy. Of the 11 remaining injured, three have been discharged, while eight remain hospitalised, including four in the ICU. Embassy officials are regularly visiting them and staying in touch with their families. We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad," Jaiswal stated.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inflation-hits-3-7-as-rising-fuel-prices-pose-challenge-for-trump-ahead-of-midterms-1791990738117">US inflation hits 3.7% as rising fuel prices pose challenge for Trump ahead of midterms</a><h3>Indian Embassy attends funeral, assures family of support</h3>The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death of Mohammed Yousef Ali following the October 10 attack. India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, and embassy officials attended his funeral service, offered condolences to his family and assured them of continued assistance.&nbsp;In an update shared on X on Sunday, the embassy confirmed the death and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.&nbsp;The death of the Indian national has taken the reported toll from the attack to 13, according to the information provided. India has reiterated its commitment to supporting affected nationals and ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad.

India has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after Hyderabad-based IT professional Mohammed Yousef Ali died in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack, while eight injured Indians remain hospitalised, including four in the ICU.

India on Wednesday (Oct 14) strongly condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. The statement comes after an Indian national died following a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attacks, including the latest strike on Aramco headquarters, as unacceptable and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. "There has been a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia, including yesterday’s attack on Aramco headquarters. We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure and call for them to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty and hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region," he said. Providing an update on the October 10 attack on Riyadh airport, Jaiswal said 12 people were injured, including an Indian national who later died. Of the remaining 11 injured Indians, three have been discharged, while eight continue to receive treatment, including four in the intensive care unit (ICU). He said Indian Embassy officials were regularly visiting the injured and coordinating with their families. The last rites of the deceased Indian national were performed in Riyadh in accordance with his family's wishes, with assistance from the embassy. "The attack on 10 October injured 12 people, one of whom unfortunately passed away. His last rites were performed in Riyadh, as wished by his family, with assistance from the embassy. Of the 11 remaining injured, three have been discharged, while eight remain hospitalised, including four in the ICU. Embassy officials are regularly visiting them and staying in touch with their families. We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad," Jaiswal stated. Also Read: US inflation hits 3.7% as rising fuel prices pose challenge for Trump ahead of midterms Indian Embassy attends funeral, assures family of support The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death of Mohammed Yousef Ali following the October 10 attack. India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, and embassy officials attended his funeral service, offered condolences to his family and assured them of continued assistance. In an update shared on X on Sunday, the embassy confirmed the death and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. The death of the Indian national has taken the reported toll from the attack to 13, according to the information provided. India has reiterated its commitment to supporting affected nationals and ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad.

India has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after Hyderabad-based IT professional Mohammed Yousef Ali died in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack, while eight injured Indians remain hospitalised, including four in the ICU.

'Totally unacceptable': MEA slams attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure after Indian national's death

The Saudi-led coalition has announced on Tuesday that it will carry out an attack on the Yemeni Oil Company in the Houthi-held Sanaa. It has announced an evacuation warning to civilians ahead of the planned military operation. Turki Al-Maliki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, has published a map describing the targets.&nbsp;“The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition requests civilians to evacuate the site of the Yemeni Oil Company / Al-Sabah Central Station in Sana’a, according to the illustrative map of the site, for their safety,” he said.&nbsp;Earlier today, the Saudi-led coalition said that three drones were intercepted north of Riyadh. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Houthis, Yahya Saree, had warned that any attack on the Houthi-held capital of Yemen will bear “harsh" and painful repercussions for Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The rebel group has also warned that &nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil facilities are “a legitimate target”. In a tit-for-tat response, the group's spokesperson issued an alert for “all employees and citizens present near any facility affiliated with Aramco Oil”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-uk-allegations-raf-fairford-security-scare-false-flag-1791890212679">Iran calls RAF Fairford security scare a ‘false flag’, rejects UK allegations</a><h2>Houthi continues assault in Taiz&nbsp;</h2>Houthi assault on Taiz province, Yemen’s third-largest city continues. At least five civilians have been killed and more than a dozen injured in Houthi shelling across Yemen’s Taiz province, according to the Taiz Governorate Human Rights Office, cited by the government-run Yemen TV channel.Houthis have made lightning-fast progress along Yemen's Red Sea coast and are mixing it with attacks on major airports in Saudi Arabia, one of the prime backers of Yemen's internationally recognised government. They have captured the port city of Mocha and several strategic islands. Now they continue their advance to Taiz.&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition has warned civilians to evacuate a Yemeni Oil Company site in Houthi-held Sanaa amid drone interceptions near Riyadh and Houthi threats against Saudi oil facilities.

The Saudi-led coalition has announced on Tuesday that it will carry out an attack on the Yemeni Oil Company in the Houthi-held Sanaa. It has announced an evacuation warning to civilians ahead of the planned military operation. Turki Al-Maliki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, has published a map describing the targets. “The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition requests civilians to evacuate the site of the Yemeni Oil Company / Al-Sabah Central Station in Sana’a, according to the illustrative map of the site, for their safety,” he said. Earlier today, the Saudi-led coalition said that three drones were intercepted north of Riyadh. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Houthis, Yahya Saree, had warned that any attack on the Houthi-held capital of Yemen will bear “harsh" and painful repercussions for Saudi Arabia. The rebel group has also warned that Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil facilities are “a legitimate target”. In a tit-for-tat response, the group's spokesperson issued an alert for “all employees and citizens present near any facility affiliated with Aramco Oil”. Also Read: Iran calls RAF Fairford security scare a ‘false flag’, rejects UK allegations Houthi continues assault in Taiz Houthi assault on Taiz province, Yemen’s third-largest city continues. At least five civilians have been killed and more than a dozen injured in Houthi shelling across Yemen’s Taiz province, according to the Taiz Governorate Human Rights Office, cited by the government-run Yemen TV channel. Houthis have made lightning-fast progress along Yemen's Red Sea coast and are mixing it with attacks on major airports in Saudi Arabia, one of the prime backers of Yemen's internationally recognised government. They have captured the port city of Mocha and several strategic islands. Now they continue their advance to Taiz.

The Saudi-led coalition has warned civilians to evacuate a Yemeni Oil Company site in Houthi-held Sanaa amid drone interceptions near Riyadh and Houthi threats against Saudi oil facilities.

Saudi-led coalition warns civilians to evacuate Yemen oil site ahead of attack

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said on Monday at the WPC Energy Congress that the “recent events” were serious and warned Iran-backed Houthis that Saudi Arabia’s response would be “equally serious”.&nbsp;He thanked all the delegates who gathered in Riyadh for the WPC Energy Congress, despite the Houthi attacks on the city’s King Khalid international airport.“You know this country is safe and that we hold your protection at heart,” the Saudi minister said, adding, "Riyadh is the capital of energy security, and your presence here today proves that. Our gathering today does not mean that risks have disappeared.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Saudi Arabia made of fearless, combatant and determined people’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, however, reassured the world’s energy industry that escalating attacks on the kingdom would not disrupt its role as a major oil supplier.&nbsp;He said that Saudis “are fearless, combatant, and determined people, and we shall prove it to the world”.Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud made the comment at the inauguration of the 25th WPC Energy Congress.&nbsp;<h2>‘Energy security cannot be taken for granted,’ warns Saudi oil minister</h2>&nbsp;Referring to the energy supply constriction, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said energy systems “are being tested” around the world.“Supply routes have been disturbed. Infrastructure has been attacked and supply chains have been strained,” Abdulaziz bin Salman said.“Government, businesses and consumers have been reminded of a fundamental truth: Energy security cannot be taken for granted,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>US embassy urges ‘extreme caution’ in Saudi Arabia’s airports</h2>&nbsp;The US embassy in Saudi Arabia on Monday urged American citizens to exercise “extreme caution” when using all major airports in the country, following a weekend of strikes that killed a total of 13 people.“The US Mission is aware of additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and targeted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 11,” the embassy said in a statement.“Please take extreme caution when using all major airports in Saudi Arabia,” it added.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, reassured the world’s energy industry that escalating attacks on the kingdom would not disrupt its role as a major oil supplier. He said Saudis are fearless, combatant, and determined people and shall prove it to the world.

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said on Monday at the WPC Energy Congress that the “recent events” were serious and warned Iran-backed Houthis that Saudi Arabia’s response would be “equally serious”. He thanked all the delegates who gathered in Riyadh for the WPC Energy Congress, despite the Houthi attacks on the city’s King Khalid international airport. “You know this country is safe and that we hold your protection at heart,” the Saudi minister said, adding, "Riyadh is the capital of energy security, and your presence here today proves that. Our gathering today does not mean that risks have disappeared.” ‘Saudi Arabia made of fearless, combatant and determined people’ Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, however, reassured the world’s energy industry that escalating attacks on the kingdom would not disrupt its role as a major oil supplier. He said that Saudis “are fearless, combatant, and determined people, and we shall prove it to the world”. Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud made the comment at the inauguration of the 25th WPC Energy Congress. ‘Energy security cannot be taken for granted,’ warns Saudi oil minister Referring to the energy supply constriction, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said energy systems “are being tested” around the world. “Supply routes have been disturbed. Infrastructure has been attacked and supply chains have been strained,” Abdulaziz bin Salman said. “Government, businesses and consumers have been reminded of a fundamental truth: Energy security cannot be taken for granted,” he added. US embassy urges ‘extreme caution’ in Saudi Arabia’s airports The US embassy in Saudi Arabia on Monday urged American citizens to exercise “extreme caution” when using all major airports in the country, following a weekend of strikes that killed a total of 13 people. “The US Mission is aware of additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and targeted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 11,” the embassy said in a statement. “Please take extreme caution when using all major airports in Saudi Arabia,” it added.

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, reassured the world’s energy industry that escalating attacks on the kingdom would not disrupt its role as a major oil supplier. He said Saudis are fearless, combatant, and determined people and shall prove it to the world.

Saudi Arabia’s response to Houthi attacks to be ‘equally serious’, says energy minister

Multiple people were injured in a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh international airport in Saudi Arabia. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended after the attack, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority. Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but it came amid an escalation of missile attacks between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The Riyadh airport "was targeted in an attack on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, amid continued attacks targeting the kingdom's civil aviation facilities", the statement reads. "The attack left several people injured, with the number still being assessed." According to a source at the local hospital quoted by AFP, five people are in intensive care, with "dozens of people injured" in all.A witness waiting to board a flight at the airport said they heard an explosion, while another reported seeing a strike that injured people and triggered a panicked rush to flee."I was on gate 403" at the domestic terminal, the witness told AFP. "I saw 401 hit, I saw injured in front of my eyes. Everyone was running."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-kuki-naga-clashes-five-killed-kamjong-ukhrul-1791643054054">5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched</a>A medical source told AFP that the health ministry had directed emergency department doctors to report to hospitals across the capital on Saturday to treat the injured."We were told we are dealing with a 'serious emergency situation'. Injured are being moved to hospitals across Riyadh", with many in critical condition, the source said.The attack came as Yemen's internationally recognised government claims to have mounted a successful offensive to retake the Bab al-Mandeb strait from Houthi rebels, but accounts vary as to whether the push has been repelled.Foreign embassies in Saudi Arabia- Britain, Canada, Germany, Spain and the United States have warned their citizens to avoid Riyadh's international airport and obey local security instructions."The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas," the embassy said in a statement posted online.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A missile attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, injuring dozens and leaving five in intensive care as airport operations were suspended.

Multiple people were injured in a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh international airport in Saudi Arabia. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended after the attack, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority. Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but it came amid an escalation of missile attacks between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh airport "was targeted in an attack on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, amid continued attacks targeting the kingdom's civil aviation facilities", the statement reads. "The attack left several people injured, with the number still being assessed." According to a source at the local hospital quoted by AFP, five people are in intensive care, with "dozens of people injured" in all. A witness waiting to board a flight at the airport said they heard an explosion, while another reported seeing a strike that injured people and triggered a panicked rush to flee. "I was on gate 403" at the domestic terminal, the witness told AFP. "I saw 401 hit, I saw injured in front of my eyes. Everyone was running." Also Read: 5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched A medical source told AFP that the health ministry had directed emergency department doctors to report to hospitals across the capital on Saturday to treat the injured. "We were told we are dealing with a 'serious emergency situation'. Injured are being moved to hospitals across Riyadh", with many in critical condition, the source said. The attack came as Yemen's internationally recognised government claims to have mounted a successful offensive to retake the Bab al-Mandeb strait from Houthi rebels, but accounts vary as to whether the push has been repelled. Foreign embassies in Saudi Arabia- Britain, Canada, Germany, Spain and the United States have warned their citizens to avoid Riyadh's international airport and obey local security instructions. "The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas," the embassy said in a statement posted online.

A missile attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, injuring dozens and leaving five in intensive care as airport operations were suspended.

Riyadh airport hit in missile attack, dozens injured; 5 in intensive care

Recent advances by the Houthis, including the capture of a strategically important Red Sea island, have added to turmoil in a region already reeling from the US war with Iran and deepened a severe global energy crisis. Neither the US nor its key ally Saudi Arabia has a clear plan to push the group back, multiple sources told CNN.&nbsp;US officials acknowledge the Houthis aim to eventually control the Bab al Mandeb Strait, but the Trump administration has signalled little interest in using the American military against them, relying instead on Riyadh. Even with added US intelligence and targeting support, Saudi Arabia has not stopped the group from taking key coastal towns in Yemen, and sources told CNN they doubt it can do so alone. "No offensive strikes," a US official said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-and-saudi-arabia-trade-fresh-attacks-as-trump-weighs-next-big-decision-on-iran-1789751997258/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-and-saudi-arabia-trade-fresh-attacks-as-trump-weighs-next-big-decision-on-iran-1789751997258/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Fighting has intensified in recent weeks after a 2022 UN-brokered truce brought relative calm. On Saturday, the Houthis said they hit "sensitive" sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu with missiles and drones. Alerts sounded across the capital, the first direct threat to it since the escalation began in July. Reuters video showed black smoke near Riyadh's main airport, though the cause was unclear. The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh at dawn and thwarted other attacks, including on Yanbu. No casualties were reported.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-strikes-saudi-arabia-rebel-media-claims-attack-on-strategic-targets-1788846651922">Houthi strikes Saudi Arabia: Rebel media claims attack on strategic targets</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump's stated red line is direct US participation in strikes on the Houthis. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked for such strikes in two calls last week and was rebuffed, sources told CNN. Trump told reporters in Ireland that the Houthis had called to say they did not want to fight the US and were unhappy with only one country, Saudi Arabia. Former US diplomat Barbara Leaf called the remarks "shocking" in comments. A US official said the ceasefire with the Houthis was solidified at a meeting in Oman this weekend.&nbsp;Regional officials told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has sought air defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-crosses-300-in-yemen-as-houthi-offensive-forces-thousands-to-flee-1788754670547">Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes</a>&nbsp;Many Gulf sources see the offensive as a new front that could prolong the Iran war. A first GCC-Iran meeting since the war began was cancelled this week after Saudi Arabia declined to attend, amid concerns over a potential Oman-Iran deal on the Strait of Hormuz, regional sources said. Former US ambassador Joey Hood said the Saudis risk negotiating "with a gun on the table".&nbsp;Sources also doubted the Houthis can be beaten militarily. A regional source told CNN force would weaken but not end them, while a Gulf official said, "No one wants to fight alone."

Rapid Houthi advances along the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait have left Washington and Riyadh without a clear counteroffensive strategy, exposing intelligence gaps and defence limits.

Recent advances by the Houthis, including the capture of a strategically important Red Sea island, have added to turmoil in a region already reeling from the US war with Iran and deepened a severe global energy crisis. Neither the US nor its key ally Saudi Arabia has a clear plan to push the group back, multiple sources told CNN. US officials acknowledge the Houthis aim to eventually control the Bab al Mandeb Strait, but the Trump administration has signalled little interest in using the American military against them, relying instead on Riyadh. Even with added US intelligence and targeting support, Saudi Arabia has not stopped the group from taking key coastal towns in Yemen, and sources told CNN they doubt it can do so alone. "No offensive strikes," a US official said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-and-saudi-arabia-trade-fresh-attacks-as-trump-weighs-next-big-decision-on-iran-1789751997258/embed Fighting has intensified in recent weeks after a 2022 UN-brokered truce brought relative calm. On Saturday, the Houthis said they hit "sensitive" sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu with missiles and drones. Alerts sounded across the capital, the first direct threat to it since the escalation began in July. Reuters video showed black smoke near Riyadh's main airport, though the cause was unclear. The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh at dawn and thwarted other attacks, including on Yanbu. No casualties were reported. Also read: Houthi strikes Saudi Arabia: Rebel media claims attack on strategic targets President Donald Trump's stated red line is direct US participation in strikes on the Houthis. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked for such strikes in two calls last week and was rebuffed, sources told CNN. Trump told reporters in Ireland that the Houthis had called to say they did not want to fight the US and were unhappy with only one country, Saudi Arabia. Former US diplomat Barbara Leaf called the remarks "shocking" in comments. A US official said the ceasefire with the Houthis was solidified at a meeting in Oman this weekend. Regional officials told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has sought air defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt. Also read: Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes Many Gulf sources see the offensive as a new front that could prolong the Iran war. A first GCC-Iran meeting since the war began was cancelled this week after Saudi Arabia declined to attend, amid concerns over a potential Oman-Iran deal on the Strait of Hormuz, regional sources said. Former US ambassador Joey Hood said the Saudis risk negotiating "with a gun on the table". Sources also doubted the Houthis can be beaten militarily. A regional source told CNN force would weaken but not end them, while a Gulf official said, "No one wants to fight alone."

Rapid Houthi advances along the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait have left Washington and Riyadh without a clear counteroffensive strategy, exposing intelligence gaps and defence limits.

Houthi gains leave US and Saudi Arabia without clear counteroffensive plan

Huge black smoke and fumes were seen rising near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday (Sept 19), with two eyewitnesses in the Saudi capital confirming the incident, AFP reported.Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 also reported major disruptions at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, including flight cancellations and delays, after residents reported seeing smoke and flames near the airport.&nbsp;The airport was placed under FlightRadar24’s highest disruption index of 5.0, indicating "major problems with long delays and several cancelled flights".&nbsp;The disruption came after Saudi authorities issued an overnight air raid alert, the first such alert since fighting in neighbouring Yemen intensified this month.&nbsp;The latest developments come as the Kingdom remains locked in an escalating conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The fighting has also led to attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, including major ports and refineries, pushing oil prices above $100 for weeks.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, a major Gulf ally of the United States and a treaty-bound defence partner of Pakistan and Turkey under the recently signed Mecca pact, has not yet received significant support from its partners, according to the information provided. The Kingdom is also facing a significant impact on its major source of revenue, oil exports.&nbsp;(This is a developing story; further details are awaited)

Huge black smoke and flames were reported near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, triggering major flight delays and cancellations amid escalating fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels.

Huge black smoke and fumes were seen rising near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday (Sept 19), with two eyewitnesses in the Saudi capital confirming the incident, AFP reported. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 also reported major disruptions at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, including flight cancellations and delays, after residents reported seeing smoke and flames near the airport. The airport was placed under FlightRadar24’s highest disruption index of 5.0, indicating "major problems with long delays and several cancelled flights". The disruption came after Saudi authorities issued an overnight air raid alert, the first such alert since fighting in neighbouring Yemen intensified this month. The latest developments come as the Kingdom remains locked in an escalating conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The fighting has also led to attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, including major ports and refineries, pushing oil prices above $100 for weeks. Saudi Arabia, a major Gulf ally of the United States and a treaty-bound defence partner of Pakistan and Turkey under the recently signed Mecca pact, has not yet received significant support from its partners, according to the information provided. The Kingdom is also facing a significant impact on its major source of revenue, oil exports. (This is a developing story; further details are awaited)

Huge black smoke and flames were reported near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, triggering major flight delays and cancellations amid escalating fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels.

Huge black smoke, flames seen near Riyadh airport; flights face major disruption amid Saudi-Houthi conflict

Iran-backed Houthis scored their biggest military victory in years as they swept through Yemen's Red Sea coastline. This has potentially put them in a strong position to call the shots in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Now, the Houthis' latest offensive has brought into the spotlight their elusive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi.After Israel killed the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, al-Houthi is seen as Iran's most prominent and resilient ally. During the course of the ongoing West Asia war, he has openly expressed support for Iran and threatened to join the hostilities.He rose to prominence in 2004 after assuming leadership of the group as his brother, Hussein al-Houthi, was killed by Yemeni security forces. Subsequently, he commanded the group in six rounds of war against the Yemeni government till 2010.In 2014, the group made its biggest move by seizing control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. A year later, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on him. While he was designated as a terrorist by the US as well in January 2021, he was de-listed a month later.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | Abdul Malik Al-Houthi in focus The Houthi leader driving the fight against Saudi Arabia<a href="https://x.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> tells you more <a href="https://t.co/tDANDqNExk">pic.twitter.com/tDANDqNExk</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2100633401590272070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This group traces its origin back to the 1990s, when religious scholar and politician Hussein al-Houthi started voicing the interests of the Zaydi community, who felt marginalised in Yemen. Its initial focus was religious revival, education and resistance to what its supporters saw as growing Salafi influence and government corruption.While it later came to be known as 'Ansar Allah', or 'Supporters of God', the name Houthi stuck owing to its founder's contribution.So, how powerful are the Houthis?Over the years, they have built up a diverse arsenal, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, anti-ship weapons and unmanned boats. The fact that even America is choosing not to directly enter into a conflict with them indicates the Iran-backed group's growing prowess.As the West Asia impasse lingers on and the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually closed, all eyes are on whether the Houthis will continue to allow free passage of ships through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

In 2014, the group made its biggest move by seizing control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. A year later, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on him. 

Iran-backed Houthis scored their biggest military victory in years as they swept through Yemen's Red Sea coastline. This has potentially put them in a strong position to call the shots in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Now, the Houthis' latest offensive has brought into the spotlight their elusive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. After Israel killed the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, al-Houthi is seen as Iran's most prominent and resilient ally. During the course of the ongoing West Asia war, he has openly expressed support for Iran and threatened to join the hostilities. He rose to prominence in 2004 after assuming leadership of the group as his brother, Hussein al-Houthi, was killed by Yemeni security forces. Subsequently, he commanded the group in six rounds of war against the Yemeni government till 2010. In 2014, the group made its biggest move by seizing control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. A year later, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on him. While he was designated as a terrorist by the US as well in January 2021, he was de-listed a month later.

In 2014, the group made its biggest move by seizing control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. A year later, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on him.&nbsp;

Abdul Malik al-Houthi: The leader driving the fight against Saudi | Gravitas