RIYADH – Tensions across the region are escalating after Saudi-led military coalition intercepted and destroyed three drones north of Riyadh amid latest escalation in the region.
The latest development comes amid reports of deadly attacks at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, widespread flight disruptions and growing concerns over the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said three drones had been intercepted and destroyed north of the Saudi capital.
🚨 Yemeni drones strike Riyadh. https://t.co/10FXB4c9FY
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Al-Maliki also said the coalition’s Joint Forces Command would issue a warning to civilians in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, urging them to evacuate an area near the Yemen Oil Company’s Al-Sabah Central Station. He called on residents to leave the area for their own safety, signalling heightened security concerns as the confrontation intensifies.
The situation took a more serious turn after Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, warned that the United States would face retaliation if it joined Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Iran-backed movement.
Al-Bukhaiti said the group would not hesitate to target the United States and its interests across the region if Washington became directly involved in attacks against Yemen. He threatened an “immediate and strong” response, raising the prospect of a wider confrontation involving American interests in the Middle East.
The warning followed US President Donald Trump’s remarks that he was considering joining Saudi operations against the Houthis. Reports indicated that Trump had previously rejected Saudi requests for assistance. On Monday, Trump criticised the group, saying the Houthis were behaving very badly and that their actions were unacceptable.
Al-Bukhaiti also warned employees and workers at Saudi oil facilities and airports to stay away from those locations, claiming they had become legitimate targets for the group. The remarks have added to concerns about the security of airports, energy infrastructure and other strategically important facilities across the kingdom.
The latest drone interception comes against the backdrop of a series of reported attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
According to the reports cited by Reuters, attacks over the preceding week had killed at least 18 people and injured more than 300. Saturday night’s incident alone reportedly claimed 13 lives.
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