Saudi says drone intercepted in Riyadh region

Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed what a Saudi-led coalition spokesman called a hostile drone in the Riyadh region on Saturday, and falling debris caused no injuries, spokesman Turki al-Malki said.

Al-Malki, whose coalition is fighting Yemen's Houthis, wrote on X that the drone was intercepted in the Riyadh region. He did not say who launched it.

Saudi Arabia has faced increased attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis in recent weeks, including deadly strikes on Riyadh airport that forced its closure for two weeks and led to the cancellation of flagship events.

On Friday, al-Malki said the Houthis had targeted the Medina region, home to Islam's second holiest city. The Houthis later denied that claim.

The attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, airports and ships have come after hostilities resumed in Yemen over the summer between the Houthis and the internationally recognised government, which is backed by Riyadh. More than 1,600 people have been killed and over 275,000 displaced since the fighting reignited, according to United Nations figures.