Saudi Arabia Issues Alerts as Air Defenses Intercept Houthi Missile

RIYADH | 03-11-2026 : Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across several areas on Monday, November 2, while air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward the Kingdom’s southern region, according to Saudi Gazette. Authorities subsequently issued all-clear notifications for the affected areas.

The newspaper cited an announcement by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen attributing the missile launch to the Houthis. The alerts came as China held meetings with Iranian, Saudi and Omani officials in Beijing, urging negotiations to address the wider Middle East conflict, according to an AFP report published by Deccan Chronicle.

Warnings followed by all-clear

Saudi Gazette reported that the first notification went out through the Early Warning Platform at 8:58 a.m. for Khamis Mushait Governorate. Alerts followed shortly afterward in Taif, Abha and Najran.

Another warning was issued for Jazan Region around noon, with Najran receiving a second alert during the afternoon. The subsequent all-clear messages indicated that the threats in the affected areas had passed, the newspaper reported.

In its notifications, Saudi Civil Defense instructed residents receiving alerts to comply with official safety guidance and call 988 in an emergency, according to Saudi Gazette.

The report did not specify the precise interception location or provide details of casualties or damage. It also did not establish whether every warning was connected to the intercepted missile.

Beijing presses for negotiations

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for dialogue during a meeting with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, according to AFP’s report in Deccan Chronicle. Wang also stressed the protection of regional energy supplies and shipping routes.

Wang separately met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Citing a Chinese statement, AFP reported that Wang expressed support for Iran’s sovereignty and security while urging parties to pursue a political settlement instead of renewed armed conflict.

The diplomatic meetings followed a fresh threat of military action from US President Donald Trump, AFP reported. The agency described the conflict as having begun with US-Israeli strikes on Iran more than eight months earlier, with fighting at times extending into neighbouring countries and disrupting international shipping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also held talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Monday. According to AFP, this was the first visit to China by an Omani head of state since the countries established diplomatic relations. China’s foreign ministry said its Middle East envoy would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia later in November to encourage peace negotiations and reduce tensions.

India voices support for Saudi Arabia

Separately, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vipul condemned Houthi attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in the Kingdom and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazette reported. He made the remarks during a Sunday visit to the headquarters of the Okaz publishing organisation in Jeddah.

Vipul expressed hope for a rapid return to peace and normal conditions. He also highlighted India and Saudi Arabia’s energy relationship and efforts to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, technology, culture and education, according to the newspaper.

Sources: Saudi Gazette; Deccan Chronicle, carrying AFP reporting.