Saudi Arabia intercepts two missiles over Riyadh after Houthi pipeline strike

Saudi air defences destroyed two missiles aimed at Riyadh on Tuesday, plus a third ballistic missile over the country's southern region. Coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki blamed the Iran-backed Houthis in a series of posts on X, saying a ballistic missile and a cruise missile were intercepted over the capital.

Multiple explosions were heard across Riyadh, according to AFP, and residents received text-message alerts ordering them to shelter from an 'aerial threat'. A follow-up message from the civil defence agency said the danger had passed. There was no immediate comment from the Houthis.

The barrage came a day after the East-West oil pipeline in the Medina region was struck again. A Saudi Energy Ministry official told the state-run SPA news agency the attack caused a 'limited fire' that was extinguished, and that 'pipeline operations were unaffected'. No injuries or deaths were reported.

That pipeline is a vital route for Saudi oil exports because of Tehran's restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel war against Iran. It has been targeted several times as that war drives a global energy crisis.

On Sunday, the Houthis said they attacked Riyadh's business district. Saudi officials said falling debris from an 'attempted attack' caused minor damage to the Aramco Tower, and SPA images showed the deputy governor of the Riyadh region and other officials inspecting the building, with damage visible on several floors.

The strikes are the latest in a run of attacks on Saudi Arabia while fighting rages in Yemen between the Houthis and the internationally recognised government backed by Riyadh. The coalition has flown air strikes in support of a Yemeni government offensive to retake territory, while the Houthis have repeatedly hit Saudi oil infrastructure, including refineries and storage facilities, with drones and missiles.