Middle East conflict: Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drones; Iran reports Hormuz tanker fires

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The Coalition has released footage it says shows the targeting and destruction of two ballistic missile launch platforms. In a post on X, the Coalition’s official spokesperson said the launchers were struck after they were detected being used to fire ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has executed five citizens convicted of terrorist offences, including joining a foreign terrorist organisation and targeting security personnel and facilities, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.

The ministry said the five were convicted of joining a foreign terrorist organisation and opening fire on security forces, security headquarters and vehicles using firearms and explosives.

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The US Embassy in Riyadh has issued a security alert urging American citizens to take extreme caution when using airports in Saudi Arabia, following recent missile and drone attacks on airports in the Kingdom. Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations. US government employees now need special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use any Saudi airport. The embassy advised citizens to follow Saudi Civil Defense alerts and to check flight status directly with their airline and airport.

US Air Force personnel prepared a KC-46 aerial refuelling aircraft for take-off from a base in the Middle East, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X. The KC-46 Pegasus tanker refuels other military aircraft mid-air, extending their range and endurance.

The UK has warned British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia that their travel insurance could be invalidated if they travel against official advice, as security concerns and the risk of further attacks continue across the Kingdom.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Yemen and all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia.

The FCDO has urged British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a serious incident on October 10, 2026, at about 3pm local time. Travellers have been advised to follow instructions from Saudi authorities and avoid the airport until it is declared secure.

The FCDO warned that further attacks on airports, along with travel disruption and flight cancellations, were very likely. British nationals seeking to leave Saudi Arabia have been advised to consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there, while checking entry and exit requirements before setting off.

The FCDO also warned that the possibility of renewed Iranian attacks remained amid continuing regional tensions, despite a memorandum of understanding announced by the US and Iran on June 17.

In details: What travellers should do

Saudi Arabia’s military coalition has intercepted and destroyed four drones over the past few hours across the Riyadh, Eastern and Southern regions, according to the coalition’s official spokesman, Colonel Turki Al Maliki.

The announcement was shared by the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen through its official spokesman’s account on X.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt was ready to defend Saudi Arabia "if requested", as fighting flares between the kingdom and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy, Sisi said Egypt was "not looking for a role to play" in regional conflicts, but added that it was "inconceivable" for Cairo to stand by while Saudi Arabia was "harmed or its security and stability threatened".

"Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you," he said.

He added that any deployment would require parliamentary approval and said he hoped lawmakers would convene in an emergency session to grant authorisation "if it is requested of us".

"I'm not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone," Sisi said. "We are speaking only about defence."

An LNG tanker came under fire from a small boat carrying seven people about 140 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukalla, Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday.

According to UKMTO, the tanker’s master reported that the small boat approached the vessel and fired two shots. The tanker’s armed security team responded by firing two warning shots, forcing the boat to change course.

The incident was reported at about 10.30am UTC on October 17.

UKMTO advised vessels to transit the area with caution and report any suspicious activity as authorities investigate the incident.

IMF member countries have called for greater financial support for nations facing short-term funding pressures from conflicts, high energy prices and economic disruptions, warning that global economic risks remain tilted to the downside, Reuters reported.

In a statement following a meeting in Bangkok, the International Monetary and Financial Committee also warned that rapid technological change, rising bond yields and geopolitical fragmentation could increase financial vulnerabilities. Members pledged support for countries pursuing reforms, particularly low-income nations, vulnerable middle-income economies and conflict-affected states.

The statement referred to the risks and opportunities of “advanced intelligence technologies” but did not explicitly mention artificial intelligence.

Yemen's Houthis announced the release of 159 pro-government fighters under an amnesty announced after they seized swathes of land in a major offensive last month.

The prisoners had "voluntarily surrendered themselves without fighting" as the Iran-backed group captured strategic positions along the Red Sea, Houthi official Abdelqader al-Murtada told a press conference in Sanaa.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the unilateral release of 159 prisoners and said it had given support by organising interviews and health checks, contacting families and helping arrange transport.

Murtada said 323 prisoners were released under the amnesty last month after surrendering in Hodeidah governorate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran supports a "political process" to resolve the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi targets including energy facilities and Riyadh's international airport, where 13 people were killed in a major attack last week.

"We support an inclusive and comprehensive political process as the only practical and sustainable way to resolve the issue," Araghchi said in a speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Baghdad.

Araghchi repeated Iran's offer to mediate between the two sides. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh previously said Riyadh has not responded to Iran's overture.

On Friday, Iran denied having anything to do with the Houthi attacks, after Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of encouraging the group's escalation.

In his speech, Araghchi also said "either we build security together, or we will endure insecurity together," adding that Tehran was willing "to cooperate with all its brothers and neighbours to achieve the first option".

The Houthis and Hezbollah in Lebanon are part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and the United States, which also includes armed groups in Iraq.

Iran’s IRGC Navy has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, banning vessels of all nationalities from passing through, state news agency IRNA reported.

“The consequence of ships violating Iranian regulations in the Strait of Hormuz is burning in the fire of the American terrorist army,” the navy said, referring to a supertanker that caught fire after reportedly striking a naval mine in the strait.

Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine is undergoing surgery on her finger Saturday, which was nearly detached from her hand after she was beaten by settlers in the West Bank, her daughter said.

Ashley Milner told The Associated Press that the finger on her mother's left hand was cut to the bone and a tendon was visible. She said Levine also has a broken rib and multiple broken vertebrae as well as lacerations across her body.

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages across the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to cars and trees and beating residents as well as Levine in the latest violence to disrupt the territory's annual olive harvest this month.

Levine said the perpetrators - armed with bottles and slingshots - "were kicking me for like 10 minutes and I was trying to hold onto my cameras and my bag." She said her helmet and protective vest, which was marked "PRESS," likely saved her from more serious injuries.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels say that airstrikes from Saudi Arabia killed three children in Yemen's southwestern province of Dhamar.

The Houthi-run health ministry said Saturday that the strikes a day prior hit houses in al-Ar village in the Dawran Aness district, killing one child aged 8 and two children aged 10 and wounding more than a dozen people.

The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike, which comes amid heightened fighting between the group and the kingdom and its Yemeni allies. Saudi Arabia didn't immediately comment on the strike.

The children are among 124 people the Houthis say have been killed in their territories since fighting resumed in September, according to the ministry.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has called for an end to insults and hostile exchanges between Gulf voices on social media, warning that such behaviour does not reflect the region's values and principles.

In a post on X, Gargash urged people across the Gulf to rise above the offensive language and personal attacks increasingly seen in online exchanges, stressing that everyone has a responsibility to reject such conduct.

“Rising above the vulgarity and offensive exchanges we are witnessing in Gulf disputes on social media is a duty for all of us,” Gargash wrote.

“This language does not represent us, nor does it reflect our morals and values.”

The UAE presidential adviser warned that the region was going through a critical period requiring greater awareness and responsibility from everyone.

“We are going through a pivotal period that demands awareness and responsibility from us all. We may differ in our assessment

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country’s advances in missile manufacturing and other technologies reflect its scientific capabilities, adding that education is key to strengthening Iran so that no enemy dares to attack it.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said an oil tanker was on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a mine in the waterway at the heart of the Middle East war.

Tehran seized control over Hormuz after the start of the war in late February, choking off the strait that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

"A supertanker in violation of regulations, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil and attempting to pass illegally through the Strait of Hormuz, struck a mine, triggering an explosion and a fierce fire," the Revolutionary Guards said.

The statement did not specify the exact location of the incident. Flanked by Iran to the north and Oman to the south, the Hormuz strait is about 30 kilometres (20 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

Since taking control of the strait, Iran has demanded that all ships seek its authorisation before transiting.

"The tanker attempted to cross the strait with US support... by deactivating all its tracking systems," the Guards added, also posting a video of a vessel in flames during the night.

In response to Tehran's blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has imposed its own naval counter-blockade on Iranian oil exports.

This week, the Guards' naval commander Admiral Ali Ozmai warned that any vessel that deactivated its navigation systems would be considered "hostile".

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence briefly issued early warning alerts over a potential threat to Khamis Mushait and Abha in Asir Province, in the country’s southwest near the Yemen border. Authorities later confirmed that the threat had passed.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24.

Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, for travel between October 9 and 25, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change until November 10. They can also rebook from alternative GCC airports served by their respective airlines, subject to availability. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can opt for a full refund if they choose not to travel.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said the global economic outlook was marked by both “optimism and worry” as the organisation’s Annual Meetings concluded in Bangkok. While AI investment and Asia’s economic momentum offered growth opportunities, inflation, rising debt, high bond yields, wars and climate risks remained major concerns.

Georgieva said the IMF had a responsibility to support low-income countries hit by price shocks linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, particularly oil-importing nations facing higher energy costs. She said debt repayments now account for 14 per cent of government revenue in low-income countries, up from 8 per cent in recent years.

She urged governments to prioritise economic growth and protect vulnerable populations, while calling for debt restructuring, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and more international financing to support struggling economies.

Georgieva also cautioned against relying too heavily on AI as a driver of global growth, comparing such dependence to “standing on one leg”. She welcomed cooperation among AI companies, governments and other stakeholders on discussions about safety and regulation.

A tanker was attacked by a small boat northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

In an advisory issued on October 16, UKMTO said the incident occurred at 19:22 UTC, about 78 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl.

The vessel’s master reported that the tanker was attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), damaging the aft port quarter of the vessel.

All crew members were accounted for and reported safe, UKMTO said. A full assessment of the damage and any environmental impact was pending.

UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to report any suspicious activity and exercise cauti

A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile about 68 nautical miles north-east of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, on October 16, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

In a warning issued on October 17, UKMTO said it had received a delayed report of the incident, which occurred at around 9am UTC on October 16.

All crew members were reported safe and had been evacuated. No environmental impact had been reported at the time of the warning.

UKMTO advised vessels to transit the area with caution and report any suspicious activity as authorities investigate the incident.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that waived key US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia's energy revenues after signing them into law last month.

"As described further in section 4 of this order, I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act," the executive order said.

The Saudi-led coalition has announced that it will soon release footage showing what it described as operations by the Houthi militia to smuggle weapons by sea to Yemen’s Al Hudaydah governorate.

The announcement was shared by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on social media. The coalition did not provide further details in the statement.

Two missiles landed in an area near the airport in the Yemeni city of Aden, the interim capital of the Saudi-backed government, police sources said, with the Houthis claiming the attack.

The Houthis, who are fighting both the internationally-recognised government and their Saudi allies, claimed the attack and said they were targeting a Saudi command centre.

Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to accept Israeli assistance against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, saying Israel has been “very helpful to Saudi Arabia”.

Asked whether Riyadh should accept Israel’s offer of help in countering the Houthis, Trump replied: “Yeah, I do, sure. Israel has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia.”

Trump also expressed confidence in his relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying: “I have a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. And Saudi Arabia is going to be very good.”

He suggested that the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalising relations with Israel could return to the agenda, saying it could happen “maybe more than ever”.

The remarks come amid regional security concerns over Houthi attacks and their implications for Saudi Arabia. Any closer Saudi-Israeli security cooperation would mark a significant development in regional relations.

CENTCOM reported financial shortfalls across several sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy, oil, steel, manufacturing, automotive, aviation, construction, security and the military.

It also cited reports that Iran-aligned militia groups had withheld payments to fighters to redirect funds to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was reportedly struggling to pay its own personnel.

According to CENTCOM, the financial strain was restricting Iran’s ability to fund allied militia groups, criminal networks and attacks against the US and its allies.

The command also claimed Tehran was facing difficulties replacing destroyed weapons and factories, describing the IRGC as showing signs of increasing desperation.

The commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) said more than 50,000 US military personnel are currently deployed across the Middle East, adding that 400 commercial vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past week.

In a fact sheet, CENTCOM said Iran was facing mounting economic pressure, claiming Tehran could not access $25 billion in oil export revenues and that the US had frozen about $350 million in cryptocurrency. The command also claimed Iran had no imports or exports by sea.

Iran's foreign ministry rejected Saudi Arabia's accusation that Tehran was involved in Houthi attacks on the kingdom, offering to mediate between the two sides.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any claim that Iran has played a role in Yemeni (Houthi) operations," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement, reiterating Tehran's offer to act as a bridge between the Houthis and Riyadh.

The US has warned citizens in Saudi Arabia of potential airport attacks, airspace closures and flight disruptions following recent missile and drone attacks.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains suspended through October 17, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations.

The US Mission has urged travellers to check flight status directly with airlines and airports, follow Saudi security alerts and consider alternative transport options. It also warned that filming or sharing images of missile interceptions and impact sites could lead to legal consequences under Saudi law.

Saudi Civil Defence said the danger had passed in Khamis Mushait Governorate, urging residents to continue following its instructions, avoid gathering or filming, and call 998 in an emergency.

The announcement followed an earlier alert issued through the National Early Warning Platform, warning of a potential danger in the governorate and urging residents to follow safety instructions.

The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Yanbu in recent hours.

The coalition also reported intercepting and destroying two cruise missiles over the Red Sea and three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Saudi Arabia’s southern and Riyadh regions.

No further details were provided about the launch sites or whether the interceptions caused any damage or injuries.

Day 230: Iran faces cash shortages, military strain: CENTCOM

Day 230: Saudi-led coalition shows cruise missile interception

Day 229: Falling shrapnel injures resident as Houthis claim airport strike

Day 228: Netanyahu is seriously considering resuming strikes on Iran

Day 227: Houthis claim attack targeting Riyadh airport

Day 226: Houthis issue new threat to Saudi Arabia’s airspace

Day 225: US, UK warn citizens to avoid Riyadh airport