Saudi Arabia Intercepts 10 Houthi Missiles As India Warns Nationals Against Filming Attacks

Saudi Arabia intercepted 10 ballistic missiles fired towards its southern region on Sunday, October 25, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels renewed attacks and threatened Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Amid escalating regional tensions and flight disruptions, India has issued advisories to its nationals, including stranded Umrah pilgrims, urging them to follow Saudi laws and avoid filming or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis also reported intercepting a ballistic missile and two drones targeting Riyadh, along with a cruise missile directed at the southern city of Khamis Mushait. Civil defence authorities issued emergency alerts for Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait before announcing that the immediate danger had passed.

The latest attacks came as King Khalid International Airport prepared to resume operations after a shutdown that began on October 10 following a deadly attack claimed by the Houthis. The strike killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the supplied report. The airport announced that Terminal 1 would handle domestic flights, while Terminal 2 would serve international flights operated by Saudi carriers from Sunday.

However, the Houthis warned that the airport remained a military target. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree cautioned airlines, airport employees and passengers against using the facility, raising fresh concerns about aviation safety.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia urged nationals to comply with local laws while reposting a notification from the Saudi Civil Defence Directorate. The notification warned that filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions and their impact sites could expose individuals to legal liability.

Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam remain suspended until November 7, while services to and from Jeddah are suspended until October 31, according to the Indian mission.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah continued assisting affected Indians, including Umrah pilgrims, with support from community associations and volunteers. Assistance includes food, essential medicines and other immediate necessities wherever feasible.

The consulate is coordinating with Saudi authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to facilitate the early return of stranded Indian nationals. It is also working with Indian airlines to address passenger concerns, including flight cancellations, refunds, visa validity and delayed departures. Indian Umrah tour operators are being connected with airlines still operating services to India to explore alternative travel arrangements, subject to seat availability, fares and airline requirements.