Capital of Medina Province, cradle of Islamic culture
The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential staff from its Riyadh embassy and consulates as Iran-backed Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia. Debris from drones has killed two in an oil facility, and an attack on Dammam’s airport has injured several others. Saudi and regional actors are responding, with Egypt signaling limited military support if requested.
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani chiefs of staff have met in Riyadh to begin turning the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement into operational cooperation after a recent surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and shipping. Officials have agreed to deepen military and intelligence ties and to integrate defensive capabilities under the pact.
Houthi forces have struck multiple sites in southern Saudi Arabia, causing fires and injuring dozens, the Saudi energy ministry has said. The Saudi-led coalition has reported at least 73 people injured in attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran and has vowed a firm military response. The Houthis have promised a statement on a "large-scale military operation."
An audit of coastal and marine protected areas flags under-resourced enforcement, fragmented governance, and questionable progress toward SDG 14.5 targets. It calls for standardised monitoring, better funding, and clearer mandates across agencies.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline remains shut after drone attacks, with authorities citing precautionary measures. Supplies are being rerouted to mitigate disruption, while markets price in potential longer-term supply risk as regional tensions escalate.
Saudi authorities have said they have intercepted a Houthi-launched drone south of Mecca and have called the attempt a "red line" because it targeted Islam's holiest sites. Regional capitals and Muslim organisations have condemned the strikes on Saudi cities and infrastructure, and analysts warn the attacks will raise pressure on shipping routes and global energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia has faced an intensified campaign of drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis since July, and the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed in August has prompted Pakistan and Turkiye to discuss defensive support. Britain has approved time-limited refuelling for Saudi jets and the three allies are meeting to decide collective steps as attacks continue.
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability as Gulf security ties deepen. Leaders cite de-escalation efforts and a trilateral defense framework with Turkiye and Pakistan, while warning that attacks by Yemen's Houthis will be met with decisive responses. The king and crown prince are outlining continued military and diplomatic measures amid recent confrontations in the Red Sea and border areas.
The attack targeted a civilian facility providing electrical services to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. A transformer went out of service, but the overall electrical grid remains unaffected. Investigations confirm the Houthis’ involvement, with authorities vowing deterrence and protection for holy sites.
The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted a power distribution station in Madinah, with coalition forces confirming strikes and investigations tracing the drone's source. The attack follows earlier raids in Sanaa and Taiz and reports of drones aimed at the Prophet’s Mosque’s power supply. The coalition says the strikes aim to protect the Two Holy Mosques amid ongoing Yemen conflict involvement.
Saudi-led forces have intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels toward Riyadh, officials and residents have reported. Recent Houthi strikes have hit King Khalid and Abha airports, killed foreign residents and wounded dozens, forced flight suspensions and prompted Saudi counterstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
The Houthis have intensified strikes on Riyadh, with missiles and drones hitting airports and nearby facilities. Saudi authorities report damaged civilian sites as air defenses intercept multiple weapons aimed at the capital. Diplomatic shelters and evacuations reflect rising regional tensions amid ongoing Yemen conflict.
The Houthis have attacked Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, killing and injuring civilians. The attack has drawn international condemnation, with UK and US officials weighing involvement. Authorities warn travellers and residents, and ongoing strikes are being monitored.
A series of Houthi missile and drone strikes has struck Saudi airports this week, including a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International that has killed and wounded dozens and forced prolonged airport closures. Saudi and allied forces are mounting counter‑operations in Yemen while global leaders have condemned the assaults and airlines have suspended flights.
Ukrainian officials are engaging with European leaders on energy security amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Trump has urged Ukraine to replace Zelensky and halt strikes on Russian refineries, while Kyiv warns of the political and military risks of negotiating under pressure. The US-Russia diesel deal has drawn criticism and highlighted the fault lines in Western support.
Multiple projectiles have hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the past week, including a deadly strike that has killed at least 13 people and wounded hundreds. Saudi authorities have closed the airport, are conducting damage assessments and safety inspections, and several governments have warned citizens against travel to affected Saudi airports.
Saudi Arabia faces a deadly Houthi attack sequence that has targeted Riyadh and eastern oil facilities, killing and injuring dozens. Attacks coincide with intensified Yemen conflict and threaten air travel across regional airports.
The Houthis have fired multiple missiles at Aden’s Al-Maashiq Palace, the government says the prime minister and cabinet ministers are unharmed. Attacks also target Marib, while government forces push back Houthi fighters around Taiz amid heavy clashes.
Houthi forces have launched missile and drone strikes on the al‑Maashiq presidential palace in Aden, hitting command centres and killing and wounding guards and civilians. Yemen’s prime minister and most ministers have been reported safe. The strikes mark a sharp escalation as the Iran‑aligned rebels press attacks on Saudi targets and government positions in Yemen.
Saudi air defenses have intercepted drones and missiles as attacks on airports and oil facilities intensify. Casualties include a Saudi citizen and multiple foreign nationals; additional strikes target Shaybah oil field and other energy infrastructure. The region faces rising regional tensions and a fragile security situation.
Saudi-led coalition says drones and missiles aimed at Riyadh and other targets have been intercepted, while Houthis claim seven qualitative operations. The attacks come amid renewed Middle East tensions and market jitters over oil supply.