The key facts

  • Strong explosions occurred in Riyadh on the morning of October 23, and residents were warned of possible danger (Xinhua).
  • According to Reuters, citing the Saudi-led coalition, a Houthi ballistic missile heading toward Riyadh was shot down.
  • The conflict escalated in August after four years of relative calm; no casualties have been reported.

Explosions in the Capital of Saudi Arabia

Strong explosions occurred in Riyadh on the morning of October 23, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. The local population was warned of possible danger. No information about killed or injured people has been provided at this time.

Missile Shot Down

Reuters, citing the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, reported that a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis from Yemen toward Riyadh was shot down.

Context of the Conflict

The confrontation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia escalated again in August after four years of relative calm. According to reports, the Houthis attacked Saudi tankers in the Red Sea — this was seen as a response to a strike by Yemeni government forces backed by Riyadh on Sanaa airport.