Saudi Arabia Warns Houthi Threat Extends Globally After Intercepting Missiles

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister stated Thursday that the threat posed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis is expanding beyond the kingdom's borders and called for global cooperation to safeguard critical shipping lanes. This warning came after Saudi forces intercepted six ballistic missiles launched toward the country.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, speaking at the UN General Assembly, told Fox News Digital that Riyadh is coordinating with the United States and other international partners. He emphasized that Houthi attacks are endangering commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Saudi territory.

Saudi coalition air defenses successfully intercepted the six ballistic missiles targeting the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu, according to Reuters. Details regarding any casualties or damage from the attacks were not immediately available.

Saudi authorities issued emergency warnings in several regions, including Mecca and Jeddah, before confirming the immediate danger had passed. Yanbu, a key oil export hub on the Red Sea, has gained strategic importance amidst disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked by Fox News Digital about the level of support Saudi Arabia is receiving from the U.S., particularly in light of reports that President Donald Trump declined requests for direct military intervention against the Houthis, Prince Faisal highlighted the kingdom's self-defense capabilities while advocating for a broader international response.

"We are, of course, defending ourselves. And we are responding as necessary to the attacks by the Houthis. But we are also, of course, coordinating with all of our international allies, because this is not just about Saudi Arabia," he stated.

He further asserted that the Houthis' threats to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and international shipping pose a risk to global security and stability. "That means that the responsibility to dealing with this threat is not just on Saudi Arabia, it is also on the whole international community."

The minister expressed gratitude to countries already collaborating with Riyadh and confirmed ongoing discussions with Washington. "And we are obviously continuing to work with our partners in the U.S., to address the issue of this conflict as well."

These remarks come as the Trump administration has reportedly received renewed requests from Saudi Arabia for military action against the Houthis. A Sept. 21 Axios report indicated that Trump considered ordering strikes against the group but ultimately did not proceed. The report suggested Saudi officials had again sought U.S. military assistance as Houthi forces advanced in Yemen, while the U.S. continued to provide intelligence and targeting support without direct combat involvement.

The Houthis' territorial gains have heightened concerns over control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and a crucial route for international trade and Saudi oil exports. The group has increased its control along Yemen's western coastline recently, reaching the shores of the strategic waterway as fighting with Saudi-backed government forces intensified.