Houthis launch missiles and drones at Riyadh, sparking fire near airport

Fighting between Iran‑backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia escalated on Saturday, when a fire erupted near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following the group’s claim that it had launched missiles and drones against Saudi territory. Saudi authorities reported the incident in the early morning hours, confirming that emergency crews were dispatched to contain the blaze, while the Saudi defense ministry warned of heightened aerial threats from the Red Sea corridor.

On the ground, Houthi forces continued their eastward advance in Yemen, intensifying clashes with Saudi‑backed government troops in the contested central region. The offensive reflects the rebels’ broader strategy to pressure the Saudi‑supported administration and expand their control beyond the traditional strongholds in the north. Both sides have exchanged artillery fire, and the conflict’s spillover into Saudi airspace underscores the growing regional volatility. (Story by Caroline Baum)