Subscription Form

Saudi air defence systems have intercepted multiple drones and missiles amid renewed aerial attacks targeting the kingdom -- File photo

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi-led coalition forces have intercepted and destroyed five drones launched towards the kingdom, including in the Eastern Province and Madinah, as attacks targeting Saudi territory intensify.

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said four drones had been intercepted and destroyed, with the interceptions taking place in the Eastern Province and Madinah. He later announced that another drone had been intercepted in the Eastern Province. The latest announcements did not identify who launched the drones.

The latest interceptions follow a series of missile and drone attacks reported across Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. On October 18, the coalition said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles fired towards Khamis Mushayt and destroyed a drone over the Riyadh region. Four additional drones had been intercepted across Riyadh, the Eastern Province and southern regions the previous day.

Saudi Arabia has also reported attacks targeting its aviation infrastructure. According to Arab News, an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300. Earlier attacks reportedly caused additional fatalities, while airlines cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah amid the security situation.

Energy infrastructure has also been affected. On September 29, Saudi authorities reported a drone attack on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah, which supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque. The coalition later attributed the attack to Yemen’s Houthi movement following an investigation of the drone debris. The incident prompted condemnation from several Arab and Muslim countries.

Earlier this month, Saudi air defences also intercepted ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, alongside multiple drones targeting different regions of the kingdom. On October 13, the coalition reported intercepting missiles aimed at Dhahran and Haradh, while debris from a missile intercepted over Dhahran fell in a residential area. Emergency teams responded to the site, according to the coalition.

The latest incidents come amid renewed fighting involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and forces supported by the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of escalating attacks against the kingdom, while the group has denied responsibility for some reported incidents. The latest drone interceptions have not been publicly attributed to a specific group.