Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces exchanged attacks on October 18, resulting in casualties in both countries. Egypt pledged support to Saudi Arabia, while a major Riyadh skyscraper ordered remote work.
Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen launched attacks against each other on October 18, resulting in dozens of casualties, according to China News Service. The exchange of fire has heightened tensions in the region, with Egypt moving to provide support to Saudi Arabia and major commercial centers in Riyadh altering operations.
The Saudi Civil Defense General Directorate announced on social media that a projectile fired by Houthi forces landed in Najran City in southwestern Saudi Arabia on October 18. The impact injured six civilians and damaged three houses and three vehicles. This incident followed a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 others, according to Fox News. Another strike the following day killed one person and injured 11.
In Yemen, Al-Masirah TV, controlled by the Houthi forces, reported that Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced that Saudi warplanes had launched airstrikes and missile attacks on Sanaa and multiple provinces over the previous 24 hours. Saree stated these attacks caused more than 30 casualties, most of whom were women and children. The report added that a civilian house in Saada Province was directly hit by an airstrike, resulting in 10 deaths and 23 injuries as of that evening, with rescue operations still ongoing.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi requested an emergency parliamentary session to authorize defensive military support for Saudi Arabia if requested by Riyadh, according to Reuters. The Egyptian Presidency issued a statement on October 18 saying that Egypt would provide all necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia to help it maintain its own security and stability. This statement followed a meeting of Egypt's National Defense Council chaired by el-Sissi.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan about regional developments and the importance of de-escalation, according to a post on X. Additionally, Saudi Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman visited the United Arab Emirates on October 18 to meet with UAE President Mohammed and discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional security issues.
The security situation in Saudi Arabia's capital led to operational changes at major landmarks. Management at the 99-story Kingdom Centre in Riyadh ordered office employees to work remotely until further notice, according to reporting by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The building houses tenants including Merrill Lynch, McKinsey & Company, and the International Monetary Fund.
"Please be advised that remote working arrangements are mandatory for all office employees at Kingdom Centre, effective immediately and until further notice," building management said in an email obtained by AFP. The shopping mall at the base of the tower remained open to the public. The directive came after the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two drones in the Riyadh area, a third over the Eastern Province, and two ballistic missiles in southern Saudi Arabia overnight.
Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said on Sunday that an AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter crashed in the Najran region because of a technical malfunction, killing both crew members. The coalition has conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets to support the ground operations of the Yemeni government forces, while the Houthis have frequently attacked targets such as Saudi airports and oil facilities with missiles and drones.
The exchange of attacks has disrupted civilian life in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen, causing casualties and forcing changes in business operations in Riyadh. The involvement of Egypt, which has one of the Arab world's largest militaries, could significantly expand the regional response to the Houthi forces. The conflict continues to impact key infrastructure, including airports and commercial centers, amid broader regional tensions.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp in southern Yemen with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 recruits and wounding 200 others, according to local authorities.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a Yemeni government military camp in Shabwa province with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 soldiers and wounding 200 recruits.