Top World News — October 13, Update

Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on Monday as the confrontation with Houthi forces intensified, while the closure of King Khalid International Airport was extended to at least October 17.

Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh

Saudi air defences intercepted a ballistic missile headed toward the capital Riyadh on Monday, according to CNN. The interception was separate from an earlier missile interception over Khamis Mushait and a drone intercepted in the Eastern Province. The rising tempo of attacks on the capital keeps pressure on air freight and insurance costs across regional routes.

Riyadh airport closure extended to October 17

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport to at least October 17, according to a NOTAM reported by CNN. The regulator said the airport was closed “to complete the necessary procedures to verify safety and operational readiness”. Several hundred flights have been cancelled, deepening the paralysis of the kingdom’s aviation network.

Death toll from attacks reaches at least 20

At least 20 people have been killed in attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past week, CNN reported, with hundreds more wounded. The figure includes 13 people killed on Saturday and a Pakistani national killed on Sunday. The rising toll marks a further escalation beyond earlier official statements.

Market snapshot

Bitcoin traded around $82,800, down about 1 percent, with Ether near $2,550 and XRP around $1.41. Brent crude closed Monday at $106.19, in a session range of $103.35 to $107.11, holding the war premium above $100. Investors now look to the US CPI release on October 14, with producer prices on October 15, the FOMC meeting on October 28, the EU summit on October 15-16, and the US midterms on November 3 as the next catalysts.