# Saudis probe defense failures after Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

> Saudis investigate how air defenses missed Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh airport.
- Title: Saudis probe defense failures after Houthi attack on Riyadh…
- Summary: Saudis investigate how air defenses missed Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh airport. Saudi Arabia launched an investigation into how its air defense systems…
- Keywords: breaking, saudi arabia, houthi rebels, riyadh airport, air defense systems, missiles, kings khalid international airport, saudi-led coalition, iran, yemen, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/saudis-probe-how-defense-systems-failed-to-stop-deadly-houthi-attack-on-riyadh-airport
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, saudi arabia, houthi rebels, riyadh airport, air defense systems, missiles, kings khalid international airport, saudi-led coalition, iran, yemen, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles
## Saudis launch defense probe
Saudi Arabia launched an investigation to determine how its air defenses failed to intercept missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
## Houthis target Riyadh airport
Houthis first fired multiple drones to pave the way for cruise and ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
## Houthi missiles pose challenge
Houthis possess ballistic missiles with warheads that change direction during flight, challenging Saudi Patriot interceptors.
## Attack reached Riyadh
Houthi missiles and drones flew over 1,000 kilometers to reach Riyadh, with no earlier warning from air defenses.
## Saudi-led coalition intercepts missiles
Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Houthis toward Riyadh.
## Houthis warn of airport closures
Houthis warned international airlines that all Saudi airports except Mecca and Medina were unsafe after the attack.
## Saudi officials seek U.S. help
Saudi officials want U.S. to become more directly involved in countering Houthi attacks.
## Houthis report casualties
Houthi health ministry reported 107 Yemenis killed by Saudi-led coalition since Sept. 3, with 60% of casualties being women and children.
## Riyadh airport remains closed
Riyadh airport remained closed Monday as workers in financial district were told to work from home.
## Key takeaway

Saudi Arabia launched an investigation into how its air defense systems failed to stop a Houthi attack that killed 13 people and wounded over 300 at Riyadh airport.