Houthis Threaten Saudi Arabia's Security with 79 Iranian Ballistic Missiles

Saudi army artillery fire shells towards Houthi movement positions at the Saudi border with Yemen April 15, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer
Saudi army artillery fire shells towards Houthi movement positions at the Saudi border with Yemen April 15, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer
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Houthis Threaten Saudi Arabia's Security with 79 Iranian Ballistic Missiles

Saudi army artillery fire shells towards Houthi movement positions at the Saudi border with Yemen April 15, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer
Saudi army artillery fire shells towards Houthi movement positions at the Saudi border with Yemen April 15, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer

Houthi militias launched 70 ballistic missiles targeting the security and safety of Saudi Arabia, since the launch of the operation to restore legitimacy in Yemen, according to informed sources.

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the militias launched 14 missiles towards Jazan, 9 towards Nejran, and the remaining 56 targeted several areas in the center, south, and west of the kingdom.

Even though none of the missiles succeeded in achieving their goals and were intercepted by Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, the continuous attacks present a direct threat on Saudi Arabia's security.

Saudi Arabia officially held Iran responsible for the manufacturing of the ballistic missile launched at Riyadh few days ago, marking the most recent accusation against Tehran for smuggling missiles, dismantling, and regrouping missiles in Yemen.

Official figures showed that the attacks on the kingdom killed 95 civilians and injured 828 others. They also led to the displacement of 20,310 persons from Jazan, Nejran, and Dhahran al-Janub. In addition, Houthis launched thousands of mortar rounds, artillery, and Katyusha rockets at the Saudi southern border.

Houthi militias also targeted mosques and hospitals in southern areas, and according to officials data, 20 facilities had been hit directly including 15 mosques and the remaining 5 missiles damaged hospitals in Jazan, Nejran, and Dhahran al-Janub.

Houthis insurgents also shelled 906 schools, 31 of which were directly targeted and 875 were evacuated because of their locations in dangerous areas, thus denying about 66,000 students from their right to have access to education.

In addition, Houthis' bombs targeted 2,825 houses, 76 public facilities, 87 farms, 272 shops, and 1,397 cars.

Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen decided to temporary close all Yemen's air, sea and land entry points while allowing humanitarian and relief aid to enter the country.

Saudi-led coalition closed all entry points after Tehran's involvement in producing missiles had been proven. Iran smuggled missiles exceeding 900 kilometers in range to the Houthis militias aiming to target Saudi Arabia and its vital interests.

Arab coalition considered it a direct military aggression of Iran and could amount to be considered an act of war against Saudi Arabia. It reiterated the Kingdom's right to defend its people and territory in accordance with Charter of United Nations, and it asserted Saudi's right to respond to Iran's aggression at the right time and place.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki said that the missiles provided provided by Iran to Houthis were backed by Iranian experts and with the support of Lebanese Hezbollah.

The spokesperson said that those militias are trying to control Bab el-Mandeb which is a dangerous threat to the regional security and stability and international navigation.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia announced a list of 40 names of militia leaders and elements responsible for planning, executing and supporting various terrorist activities by Houthi terrorist group. The Kingdom also announced financial rewards of over $430 million for information leading to their arrest or whereabouts.

The list included president of Political Council Saleh Ali al-Sammad, head of Revolutionary Committee of the Houthi armed militia Mohammed Ali Abdulkarim al-Houthi, Zakaria al-Shami, Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim, Abduqalik Bader al-Houthi, Mohammed al-Atifi, Yousef Ahssan al-Madani, Abdulqader al-Shami, Abdurab Jurfan, and Yahya al-Shami where a reward of $20 million had been allocated to anyone who gives information leading to their arrest.



Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
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Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said work has begun on a defense cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia that includes joint investment in the production of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s progress in defense industries is being closely followed by Saudi Arabia, as well as by other countries, adding that Ankara is preparing to conclude significant agreements with Riyadh in this field.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with his remarks published on Thursday, Erdogan said: “We have received many positive comments on the Turkish fighter KAAN, and discussions are under way on joint investment with Saudi Arabia in this regard.”

He stressed that KAAN is not merely a combat aircraft but a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering capabilities and its determination to maintain an independent defense posture. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this area is likely to expand, including through joint investments.

In February 2024, Türkiye announced the successful first flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries. With this milestone, Türkiye became one of only five countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aims to export the jet.

KAAN is designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and conduct precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.

Erdogan said he held “highly productive” talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, noting that Saudi Arabia holds a special place for Türkiye in defense industries, transport, healthcare, investment, and construction services. Bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2025, while Turkish contractors have completed more than 400 projects in the Kingdom worth a total of $30 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Türkiye share aligned views on regional issues, stressing that both countries oppose any new war in the region and favor peace, stability, and calm, which he said would benefit all parties.

 

 

 

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a letter from Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on bilateral relations between their countries.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received the letter on Thursday during a meeting with Maldives Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Sareer at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Discussions during the meeting addressed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest.


Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" tactical exercise serves to bolster Gulf security integration and embodies the unity and shared destiny of member states.

The statement was made Wednesday during Albudaiwi’s participation in the closing day of the exercise, held in Qatar. The event was attended by Qatari Interior Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with the GCC Ministers of Interior.

"This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework," the secretary-general said.

He stressed its role in enhancing coordination and integration among the respective ministries and elevating joint readiness and response to security challenges, thereby contributing to the consolidation of security and stability across the GCC.

He further highlighted that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.

The secretary-general expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in hosting and organizing the exercise, noting that the extensive resources and capabilities provided were instrumental to its success.

Closing his remarks, he voiced his aspiration that the exercise achieves its strategic objectives, fulfilling the visions of leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability for the peoples of the GCC.