City and governorate in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia
Saudi officials have reported that air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh, Taif and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Houthi forces have seized Red Sea coast positions and tightened control of the Bab al‑Mandeb. Saudi civil defence has issued and later lifted alerts; there are no immediate confirmed civilian casualties.
Saudi Arabia has opened 103 investment opportunities across ecotourism, eco-lodges and environmental projects to private partners, aiming to sustain vegetation cover, support Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The program spans ecotourism, hospitality, parks and related services, with long-term and seasonal options and projected returns up to 16% IRR and potential GDP impact of SR1.4 billion. Opportunities cover multiple regions including Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
Houthi forces have seized large stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast and islands, tightened control over the Bab al‑Mandeb shipping lane and have launched missiles, drones and ballistic rounds at Saudi cities including Riyadh and Yanbu. Saudi air defences have said they have intercepted strikes; residents have reported explosions and smoke. The advance has disrupted shipping and pushed global energy markets higher.
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.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
KFC has opened Open House in McKinney, Texas, a test restaurant offering breakfast, late hours, table service, and new menu items. The concept aims to learn what works for guests and rolls out successful ideas system-wide. The restaurant features digital kiosks, table service, dual drive-thru lanes, a photo booth and merch counter.
The Houthis have expanded their attacks on Saudi targets, claiming to strike a sensitive site in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi intercepts six missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu as fighting intensifies along Yemen’s coast and in border areas. The conflict threatens regional oil routes and global supply chains.
Yemen’s government forces and allied militias are intensifying operations against Houthi positions across Taiz and along the Bab al-Mandeb coast. The coalition says it is targeting Houthi sites with air cover, while the Houthis have sought to extend their grip on western Yemen. Civilians remain displaced as fighting tightens its grip on strategic routes and coastal corridors.
France has decided to send military assets, including soldiers and radar systems, to protect key Red Sea sites in Yanbu after Houthis attacks disrupted oil shipments. The move follows a gulf-france ministerial meeting and stresses international cooperation to secure shipping routes amid tensions with Iran.
The United States has provided intelligence and advisory support to Saudi forces as the Yemeni government and its allies pursue operations to retake Sanaa and secure the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks, while international partners debate whether to join or widen the conflict.
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.
Yemen's Houthi forces have intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences have intercepted drones and ballistic missiles toward Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt and other targets. Yemen's armed forces say they are stepping up strikes to restore state authority amid regional security concerns.