Saudi-led Coalition Thwarts Drone Attacks as Egypt Considers Military Support

The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels, announced on Saturday that it successfully intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh and other regions. This action marks the latest in a series of Houthi assaults targeting Saudi Arabia's airports and oil infrastructure.

Coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki stated, "We intercepted and destroyed four drones over the past few hours in the regions of Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the South." He further shared footage purportedly showing the air force intercepting cruise missiles and drones, as well as striking ballistic missile launchers attributed to the Houthis.

King Khalid airport in Riyadh has been the target of at least 20 attacks since the conflict between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government escalated in July, with one attack last week resulting in 13 fatalities. Earlier on Thursday, missile strikes near the presidential palace in Aden, the base of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, killed at least five people. The Houthis were blamed for this attack.

On Friday, the Yemeni government reported that the Houthis launched two missiles at Aden’s airport. Concurrently, government forces claimed advances in Marib province, located northeast of Sanaa. Saudi Arabia is supporting a government counteroffensive, codenamed Dawn of Yemen, and has conducted airstrikes against the Houthis, including targeting an oil facility in Sanaa.

In parallel, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed his willingness on Saturday to "carry out any measure to protect" Saudi Arabia if requested by the kingdom. While emphasizing that Egypt is not seeking to engage in regional wars, el-Sisi stated it would be "inconceivable" for Cairo to remain inactive while Saudi Arabia faces harm. "I’m not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone. We are speaking only about defence," he clarified.

Egypt's parliament is scheduled to hold an emergency session on Sunday at the president's behest. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of instigating the Houthis' increased aggression. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's support for a "comprehensive political process as the only practical and sustainable way to resolve" the conflict.

Several embassies in Saudi Arabia have implemented travel restrictions and advised their citizens to avoid using airports. The Saudi Ministry of Education has extended remote learning for students in Riyadh and the adjacent Diriyah area due to the recent Houthi attacks.