Saudi Civil Defence
Saudi Arabia's civil defence directorate, under the Ministry of Interior.
On 27 October 2026 Saudi Civil Defence said two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh were intercepted, and that falling debris damaged a building, a construction site and a vehicle. The Houthis claimed a hit on the Defence Ministry.
Last refreshed: 29 October 2026
Who should readers believe when Riyadh and the Houthis tell different stories?
Timeline for Saudi Civil Defence
Reported the Riyadh interceptions and debris damage
Iran Conflict 2026: Houthis say missile hit Saudi ministryBackground
Saudi Civil Defence, formally the General Directorate of Civil Defense, is The Kingdom's national emergency, firefighting and rescue agency. It reports to the Ministry of Interior and is based in Riyadh.
It is the Saudi body that publicly reports missile interceptions and damage on the ground. Its figures give the Saudi authorities' account, which often differs from the attackers' claims.
The 27 October attack showed the gap. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said missiles hit the Defence Ministry in Riyadh and the Ras Tanura refinery; Civil Defence reported two missiles shot down over the capital and only debris damage. Neither Riyadh nor Saudi Aramco confirmed any damage at Ras Tanura.
Who runs civil defence in Saudi Arabia?
What did Saudi Civil Defence say about the missiles fired at Riyadh in October 2026?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 29 October 2026. Editorial standards.