Saudi Arabia intercepts Riyadh missile as tankers hit mines in Hormuz

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh and a drone in the Eastern Province on Saturday, 24 October, as regional tensions escalated following maritime explosions and threats to global communications infrastructure. Coalition Intercepts Projectiles Over Riyadh Air defence systems destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces toward the Saudi capital early on Saturday. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki confirmed the interception, which follows two audible explosions reported in Riyadh. The Saudi civil defence activated early warning systems to alert residents. A separate drone targeting the Eastern Province was also downed, according to coalition statements. Tankers Disabled in Strait of Hormuz The maritime security situation deteriorated on Friday after two supertankers struck naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels, carrying a combined 4.5 million barrels of crude oil, suffered severe engine room fires and were subsequently abandoned by their crews off the southern coast. The IRGC Navy reported the tankers were attempting to navigate an unauthorised route when the explosions occurred. Iran Threatens Undersea Cable Network Tehran has formalised plans to target undersea internet cables in the Gulf if U.S. or Israeli forces launch new attacks, according to senior Iranian security officials. Yadollah Javani, the IRGC’s deputy head of political affairs, stated that seven major communication lines beneath the Strait of Hormuz are…