Edward Marchesi During the night of September 15, 2026, the Saudi Arabian capital was the scene of explosions that raised alarm among local authorities. The events occurred amid growing tension between the Kingdom and the Houthi movement, which has been engaged in a war of attrition against its ally Saudi Arabia for months.
Saudi authorities said they contained the blasts, but details of the casualties and the extent of the damage remain partially unconfirmed.
Attacks declared on Riyadh and to the plants Aramco di Yanbu
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree used Telegram to claim that Yemeni forces conducted two successful military operations.
According to the statement, the attacks employed a large number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles , and drones. The first wave, according to Saree, targeted sensitive sites in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, while the second focused on Aramco facilities in Yanbu, a crucial port city for oil exports.
Details on attack modes
The statements indicate the simultaneous use of multiple types of weapons, suggesting advanced coordination. The ballistic missiles would have had a long-range trajectory, while the cruise missiles could be guided to specific targets, increasing precision. The drones, on the other hand, would have served both for reconnaissance and for finalizing the attack, exploiting their low-altitude capabilities to evade traditional air defense systems.
Drone intercepted south of Mecca
Around the same time, Saudi authorities reported the downing of a drone south of the holy city of Mecca before it could enter national airspace. The incident occurred in a heavily guarded area, as the city is home to the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site. Although authorities have not directly attributed the action to any group, the Houthis were the first to be accused of launching the aircraft in that area, further increasing diplomatic pressure on Riyadh.
Funeral procession at Sana'a and statements of Mohamed Farhan
In parallel with the military operations, a collective funeral procession took place in Sana'a to commemorate the Houthi officers and other members of the armed forces who fell in the last months of the conflict. The event, broadcast by major local networks, showed a crowd of supporters accompanying tanks to the national cemetery. During the commemorations, Mohamed Farhan, head of the Houthi political bureau, reiterated that militancy will continue until the siege imposed by the Saudi blockade is lifted, emphasizing that the recent military actions are a legitimate response to the attempted violence against Sana'a.
Reflections on regional repercussions
The simultaneous attacks on Riyadh, Yanbu , and the holy site of Mecca represent a significant escalation in the Yemeni conflict. The use of advanced weaponry suggests a strengthening of the Houthis' operational capabilities, likely supported by external supplies. On the other hand, the downing of the drone near Mecca highlights a rapid and swift response by Saudi air defense, but also a perceived vulnerability in the protection of religious sites. Finally, the funeral procession in Sana'a indicates a desire to maintain high internal cohesion within the movement, promoting the idea of a sustained and long-term fight against the siege.