Saudi Arabia investigates failed defense against Houthi attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 14:38 · Archive

Saudi Arabia is investigating how its air defenses failed to stop Houthi missiles and drones that struck Riyadh airport, killing at least 13 people.

Saudi Arabia has launched an investigation into why its air defenses failed to intercept a barrage of missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The attack killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300, according to two regional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

The initial investigation found that the Houthis first fired multiple drones to clear the way for a mix of cruise and ballistic missiles to reach the airport. The weapons travelled over 1,000 kilometres to reach Riyadh. The Houthis possess advanced ballistic missiles with warheads fitted to change direction during flight, which pose a significant challenge to Patriot interceptors and other Saudi defense systems.

Saudi officials are investigating why the air defense systems failed to provide earlier warning of the attack. The Saudi government-run Center for International Communication did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Saudi state-run media reported on Monday that the military was responding to a new attack involving drones and cruise missiles, though it provided no further details. Saudi officials are seeking greater United States involvement in countering Houthi attacks.

How it is being reported

• Saudis probe how defense systems failed to stop deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airportSaudi Arabia has launched an investigation into how its air defenses failed to intercept missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.Clickorlando · 12 Oct, 13:47
• Saudis probe how defense systems failed to stop deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airportSaudi Arabia has launched an investigation into how its air defenses failed to intercept missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.News4Jax · 12 Oct, 13:47

In this story: Saudi Arabia · Houthis · Iran · Yemen · Riyadh · United States

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