Saudi Arabia Claims Interception of Houthi Missile Targeting Riyadh

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has stated that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the Houthi group in Yemen towards the capital, Riyadh.

According to Al Jazeera, the missile was reportedly launched early Saturday morning, with the attack occurring as urgent warnings were issued in parts of Saudi Arabia.

This was the first time a warning of an aerial bombardment was issued in Riyadh since the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia escalated in July.

The coalition's spokesman, Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, stated that the Houthis also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in the cities of Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but he said all those attacks were thwarted.

Saudi officials reported no casualties or injuries, but an explosion was heard in Riyadh, while people near King Khalid Airport reported seeing black smoke rising into the sky.

On the other hand, the Houthis claimed they targeted sites they described as “sensitive” in Riyadh, and a fuel facility owned by Aramco located in the city of Yanbu on the western coast.

The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the attacks utilized ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Internal conflicts in Yemen have also resurfaced in several regions, including Marib, Taiz, Lahj, al-Jawf, and al-Bayda.

These battles are part of an increase in military tensions that began in early July, which has been described as the most intense since the ceasefire in April 2022 that had reduced the fighting in the country.