Monday, 12 October 2026
Saudi Arabia intercepts more missiles overnight as interceptor supplies run low
Saudi forces intercepted missiles and drones aimed at the kingdom overnight into Monday, including areas near key oil and gas facilities, after the deadliest weekend of Houthi attacks since the Iran war began killed at least 14 people as of Monday. The Wall Street Journal reported the kingdom is running low on interceptor missiles, and a Champions League match in Riyadh was delayed Monday night after another ballistic missile bound for the capital was destroyed.
The Houthi missile campaign against Saudi Arabia stretched into another night, with Saudi led coalition forces intercepting missiles and drones aimed at the kingdom overnight into Monday, including areas that hold key oil and gas facilities.
The weekend toll stood at at least 14 dead and more than 300 wounded as of Monday, most of them from Saturday's strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in more than a decade. The airport stayed closed Monday. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was also targeted over the weekend, and the coalition promised a decisive response.
The strain is starting to show in the kingdom's defenses. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Saudi officials, that Saudi Arabia is running low on the interceptor missiles it needs to counter further Houthi strikes. Debris from an intercepted ballistic missile had already hit a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex on Thursday. On Sunday the Houthis renewed their warning to airlines, companies and travelers to stay away from Saudi airports, exempting only Mecca and Medina.
Daily life in the capital is bending around the attacks. On Monday evening the Asian Champions League Elite match between Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Neftchi Fargona at Al Awwal Park was delayed as fans were told over the stadium system to stay calm and remain in their seats. A Saudi military spokesperson said forces had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile headed toward Riyadh. Once officials cleared the danger, the match kicked off at 10:15 p.m. local time and Al Nassr won 3 to 1, with Ronaldo scoring.
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, speaking Sunday at the opening of the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh, tried to project calm for the oil industry, saying no one would break the kingdom's back. Some executives who had planned to attend, including the chief executives of BP and Shell, withdrew as the strikes continued.
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