Saudis probe how defense systems failed to stop deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport
Officials are probing why early warning and interception failed after drones cleared the way for missiles that killed at least 13 people, investigators said.
- On Monday, Saudi Arabia launched an investigation into how air defenses failed to intercept a Houthi missile and drone barrage on King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300.
- Houthi rebels fired multiple drones to pave the way for cruise and ballistic missiles that flew over 1,000 kilometers to reach Riyadh, according to regional officials cited in the investigation.
- President Donald Trump said Saturday he is considering U.S. attacks against the Houthis, while Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash called for "joint Gulf action" to defend regional allies on Monday.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the escalation Monday, noting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on Sunday to discuss the situation.
- Despite the conflict keeping the Gulf on edge, Saudi Arabia continued the second day of the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh, hosting over 300 executives and 70 ministers.
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92 Articles
Saudi Arabia Just Got Handed an Air Defense Mystery: Officials Are Probing How Drones Cleared a Path for Missiles to Hit Riyadh’s Airport
Saudi Arabia is investigating how Houthi drones cleared the way for missiles to strike Riyadh’s main airport, which will stay closed until Saturday. Nearly half of scheduled Saudi flights were canceled Monday. Asked whether the US would come to Saudi Arabia’s defense, President Trump said, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
The kingdom discovers the flaws of its defense, after the Huthis rebels repeatedly hit its airports and energy sites this weekend. The attacks resulted in at least 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Huthi attacks paralyze Riyadh's airport, kill 13 people – and show how vulnerable Saudi Arabia is despite billions of dollars for missile defense.
Saudi Arabia has launched an internal investigation into why its air defense system failed to intercept missile and drone attacks by Yemen's pro-Iranian Houthi rebels. This appears to be a realization of the severity of its air defense posture following heavy casualties, including 13 deaths and over 300 injuries, caused by a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. According to the Associated Press on the 13th (local time),
The Saudi Arabian authorities have initiated an internal investigation because of the low effectiveness of air defence (ABM) attacks by the Shiite movement Ansar Allah (Hushitas). Riyad finds out why the anti-aircraft missile systems were unable to respond to several attacks at the capital airport, which resulted in the death of at least 12 people, transmits TASS with reference to Associated Press. Preliminary evidence indicates that the Hutus l…
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