Saudi Arabia Intercepts Second Houthi Ballistic Missile Near Khamis Mushait

RIYADH, — September 26, 2026 — Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a second ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement toward Khamis Mushait on Saturday, adding to a new wave of missile and drone threats against the kingdom. Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the missile was destroyed before reaching its target. (Qatar News Agency)

The second interception followed an earlier Saudi announcement that another ballistic missile had been launched toward Khamis Mushait. The coalition also said two drones launched toward the Riyadh region were intercepted and destroyed. Saudi Civil Defense issued alerts overnight for Khamis Mushait and nearby Abha. (Reuters)

The Associated Press reported that Saudi authorities attributed the missile to the Houthis but said the claim could not immediately be independently verified. There was also no immediate Houthi statement accepting responsibility for the missile attack. (AP)

The latest attacks came only hours after senior military officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye met in Riyadh to discuss threats facing the kingdom. The three countries are operating under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed last month, which provides for collective defence cooperation. (Reuters)

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said he discussed continued cooperation with Pakistan's army chief during the Riyadh meeting. The talks took place as Saudi Arabia faces repeated missile and drone threats against its cities, energy infrastructure and shipping routes. (The National)

The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the latest missile and drone attacks against Riyadh and Khamis Mushait, describing them as a threat to civilian safety and regional security. The organisation said Gulf states stood behind Saudi Arabia and called for international action to stop repeated Houthi attacks. (Gulf Cooperation Council)

On the Houthi side, the group's political bureau member Hezam Al-Asad described the latest operation as a limited rehearsal for a wider escalation, according to Gulf News. The statement did not independently establish the number or effectiveness of the weapons launched toward Saudi Arabia. (Gulf News)

Khamis Mushait is particularly sensitive because the city is home to King Khalid Air Base and lies in Saudi Arabia's southwestern Asir region, relatively close to Yemen. The repeated attacks are also occurring as the wider regional conflict continues to disrupt energy and shipping routes. (Reuters)

The latest Saudi claims remain subject to independent verification. Saudi Arabia says its air defenses have intercepted the missiles and drones, while the Houthis have not immediately acknowledged responsibility for the latest missile launches. (AP; Reuters)