Saudi Arabia has intercepted three drones near the capital, Riyadh, as Houthi rebels have warned of a "painful" response to attacks on the kingdom. The intercepted drones were detected and neutralized by Saudi air defenses, according to local authorities. The Houthi group, which is backed by Iran, has previously launched attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including a deadly strike on the capital’s main airport.
The Houthi rebels have issued warnings that any attacks on Saudi Arabia will be met with a "harsh" and "painful" retaliation. This follows a recent strike on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which killed at least 13 people and injured many others. The attack has intensified tensions in the region, with Arab leaders calling for a unified response against Iran.
Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, one of North Africa’s wealthiest individuals, has called for Arab countries to sever diplomatic ties with Iran. He expressed solidarity with the Saudi people and apologized for not addressing the attacks earlier. Meanwhile, the European Union has condemned Iran’s "hostile activities beyond the Middle East," highlighting the growing international concern over the conflict.
Pakistan has pledged to support Saudi Arabia’s defense efforts, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating that Islamabad will cooperate "in every possible way" under existing defense agreements. Chinese-Pakistani fighter jets and a China-made air-defense system have been deployed to Saudi Arabia, potentially offering additional security.
The situation has led to increased travel advisories and flight cancellations, with major airlines like Etihad and Emirates suspending flights from Riyadh. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt regional stability and raise concerns about the safety of international travel through the Middle East.
