Coalition says it intercepted ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh, blames Houthis

As of 7:24 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026

The Saudi-led coalition said Tuesday that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile that it said was launched toward Riyadh by the Houthis, whom it described as a "terrorist" militia.

"The coalition: Interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh," the coalition's official spokesperson's account said on X at 4:39 a.m. ET (11:39 a.m. Riyadh time). (Translated from Arabic by GROKsiNEWS.com.) The Saudi Press Agency carried the coalition's statement in English at 4:55 a.m. ET.

Earlier, at 4:11 a.m. ET, Saudi Civil Defense said a warning had been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Riyadh "to alert of a potential danger." At 4:17 a.m. ET, it said, "The danger has passed in Riyadh City," and urged residents to keep following its instructions and to avoid gathering and filming.

There was no official word on damage or casualties as of 7:24 a.m. ET, and the Houthis had not publicly claimed the launch.