Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement toward Riyadh early Saturday.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said the missile was intercepted before reaching its intended target. He also said Houthi forces attempted to target civilians and civilian sites in Baish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, with those attempts also being thwarted by Saudi air defenses.
Warning Issued in Riyadh
- Saudi authorities had issued an overnight warning for residents in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, advising people to move to safe locations and avoid open areas. The warning was later lifted.
- There were no immediate reports of casualties or confirmed major damage from the intercepted missile. Residents reported hearing an explosion, while smoke was reportedly seen near the area of King Khalid International Airport.
Houthis Claim Missile and Drone Attacks
- The Houthis claimed they had carried out missile and drone attacks against what they described as “sensitive sites” in Riyadh. They also claimed an attack on an Aramco facility in Yanbu.
- Those claims have not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not confirmed damage to the alleged targets.
- The Houthis said their attacks were carried out in response to Saudi military action in Yemen.
Growing Regional Tensions
- The latest incident adds to continuing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and comes amid wider instability across the region.
- Saudi authorities have accused the Houthis of repeatedly threatening civilians and civilian infrastructure, while the Houthis say their military operations are responses to regional military actions.
Business Galaxy: The Riyadh missile interception highlights the continuing security risks facing Saudi Arabia amid renewed Saudi-Houthi tensions, while claims from both sides remain subject to independent verification.
