Houthi rebels have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, prompting warnings from former US intelligence officials that the strikes pose a broader terrorist threat. Norman Roule, a former senior US intelligence official, stated that the Houthis’ targeting of civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia should no longer be viewed solely as part of Yemen’s civil war. The attacks, he said, endanger millions of foreign nationals in the Gulf, international shipping, and the global economy.
The strikes have forced Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to close, disrupting travel and raising security concerns. Air India has canceled all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until October 17, 2026, citing ongoing threats. Passengers affected by the cancellations will receive full refunds, according to the airline.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest purchaser of American weapons, has struggled to defend against the Houthis’ advanced attacks. Despite its sophisticated arsenal, including US-supplied warplanes and missile defenses, the kingdom has faced repeated strikes. The Houthi-run broadcaster Al Masirah reported that Saudi-led coalition forces struck oil facilities near Sanaa, marking a new escalation in the conflict.
The situation has drawn international attention, with former US officials and global leaders expressing concern. US President Donald Trump has warned the Houthis against further attacks and suggested Turkey could play a role in addressing the threat. Meanwhile, the Houthi group has warned that attacks on Yemen will be met with a “harsh and painful” response against Saudi Arabia.
The conflict, rooted in Yemen’s civil war, has expanded into a broader regional crisis, with implications for global security and trade. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely for further developments.
