Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026
1 Houthis Attack Riyadh for First Time Since Resume Sparking Air Raids↩︎ ⚔️ War Sep 22, 6:56 PM EDT 23/12
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▶US embassies across the Middle East issued security warnings on Saturday, citing potential flight cancellations and airspace closures amid rising regional tensions. The alerts followed an attack on Riyadh by Iran-backed Houthi ballistic missiles, marking the first such strike on the Saudi capital since the Yemen conflict resumed. Saudi Arabia intercepted the missiles and retaliated with 28 airstrikes across Yemen in 24 hours, bringing the total since the escalation began to 760. Houthi-affiliated media reported that raids on the port city of Mocha killed at least 6 civilians, including 2 children and 1 woman, while air traffic at the Riyadh airport has since resumed.
President Trump returned to the White House from Camp David a day early on Saturday after reviewing Yemen strike options, according to CNN. The escalation coincides with a declaration from Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat that the group has adopted a policy of "blockade for blockade, escalation for escalation" to force the reopening of airports and ports. The US State Department has warned that the hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces could escalate rapidly as tensions also rise in Israel during the high holidays.