The key facts

  • The coalition intercepted a drone over the Riyadh region on Tuesday; no details were disclosed
  • Earlier on Tuesday, a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted
  • The confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has continued since 2015

Drone interception

The Saudi-led coalition said on Tuesday that it had intercepted and destroyed a drone over the region of the Saudi capital Riyadh. The interception was announced on the social platform X; the coalition provided no additional details.

Missile earlier on Tuesday

Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi group toward Riyadh. The announcement came after explosions were heard in the capital, following a security service warning.

Context of the confrontation

The incidents come amid an escalation of the confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi group, which launches missile and drone attacks on the kingdom, while the coalition carries out airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government against the Houthis. The group has controlled the capital Sanaa and a number of provinces since the previous year.