Houthi Missile Strikes on Riyadh Airport Expose Saudi Arabia's Air Defense Gaps

Several recent strikes have hit the international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claiming responsibility. The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia over its support for government forces in Yemen's civil war. Saudi Arabia's energy minister has vowed a 'serious' response. But how are these missiles managing to hit a major airport without interception, and could a similar attack happen in Europe? This BBC News report investigates the vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's air defense systems and the evolving threat from Houthi missiles and drones. Experts analyze the technical and strategic factors that allow these attacks to succeed, including the use of low-flying cruise missiles and drones that can evade radar. The report also considers the implications for regional security and the potential for similar attacks on European soil. With tensions escalating, this story is crucial for understanding the changing nature of warfare and the challenges facing global security. It provides a comprehensive look at the Houthi threat, Saudi Arabia's response, and the wider geopolitical consequences.