Why Is Riyadh Under Attack? Islamabad Denies Yemen Role
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Escalating fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces in Yemen has once again heightened tensions across the region. Saudi Arabia has activated its air defence systems in Riyadh and other cities following a series of missile and drone attacks, while Pakistan has rejected a New York Times report alleging that the Pakistan Air Force is participating in military operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
The Saudi-led military coalition said three ballistic missiles launched from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia were intercepted and destroyed in mid-air. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said two of the missiles were aimed at the Saudi capital, Riyadh, while the third was directed toward the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait.
According to Saudi Civil Defense authorities, missile debris fell on several buildings in Riyadh despite the interceptions, resulting in property damage. A kindergarten and a medical centre were among the affected facilities.
Riyadh, Khamis Mushait Targeted
According to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, the Saudi-led coalition confirmed that all three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis were intercepted before reaching their intended targets.
In a statement posted on X, Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the two missiles targeting Riyadh were destroyed, while the third missile heading toward Khamis Mushait was also intercepted.
The Houthi group had earlier claimed that it targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities, however, did not immediately confirm the claim.
Attacks on Saudi Airports Raise Security Concerns
The latest missile launches come amid attacks on two major Saudi airports in recent days.
Saudi civil aviation authorities said Abha International Airport and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were targeted in separate attacks on October 6 and 7.
Officials said the attack on Abha Airport killed two women, one Moroccan and one Algerian, and injured 28 people. The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed a Sudanese national and injured eight others, including five Saudis, two Egyptians and one Pakistani national.
The administration of King Khalid International Airport has warned passengers that some flights could face delays, schedule changes or cancellations because of the continuing regional tensions and airspace restrictions. Travellers have been advised to check the latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
Pakistan Denies Reports of Air Operations in Yemen
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information has rejected a report published by the American newspaper The New York Times claiming that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets were being used in military operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
The ministry described the report as “fabricated” and “incorrect” and urged international media organisations to avoid speculative reporting.
The New York Times report had quoted an unnamed senior Pakistani military official as saying that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets were being deployed in attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen.
Citing another Pakistani official, the report further suggested that Islamabad’s involvement in the Yemen conflict would likely be restricted to providing air support rather than deploying ground forces.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, however, said that relevant authorities would directly inform the media about any significant developments involving the country’s armed forces.
Explosions Heard in Riyadh
Several explosions were also reportedly heard in Riyadh on Thursday, although the cause of the blasts was not immediately established.
The reports emerged as the Saudi-led coalition announced large-scale retaliatory military operations in Yemen following Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.
The coalition said its strikes targeted missile stockpiles, command centres and other key military installations belonging to the Houthis. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree has claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Abha and King Khalid International airports.
‘Operation Fajr al-Yemen’ Signals New Phase in Conflict
Meanwhile, Yemen’s internationally recognised government has launched a major military campaign against the Houthis.
Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, formally announced “Operation Fajr al-Yemen” on October 5. According to the government, the operation aims to retake Houthi-controlled territories, restore government control over the capital, Sana’a, and secure key maritime routes.
The Houthis currently control most of northern Yemen, including Sana’a. During the latest escalation, the group has also consolidated its positions in coastal areas along the Red Sea that were previously controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The renewed fighting has further aggravated Yemen’s already devastating humanitarian crisis. More than 200,000 people have reportedly been forced to flee their homes amid the latest hostilities.
The United Nations has described the situation in Yemen as extremely dangerous and alarming.
With missile and drone attacks continuing against Saudi Arabia, air defence systems operating over Riyadh, retaliatory strikes being carried out in Yemen, and conflicting reports over Pakistan’s alleged involvement, the regional conflict has entered another dangerous phase.
The key question now is whether the escalating cycle of attacks will widen further or whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the conflict from developing into a broader regional confrontation.
