Saudi authorities report intercepting drones across several locations as regional security concerns remain high.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — WEB DESK: Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-led coalition has intercepted and destroyed multiple hostile drones over different regions of the Kingdom, including Riyadh, the southern region and Madinah, according to coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki.
In statements released on Saturday, October 31, Al-Maliki said air defence forces had successfully intercepted the drones, preventing them from reaching their intended targets.
The spokesperson did not disclose the precise launch locations or intended targets of the intercepted drones.
He said fragments from one interception fell to the ground without causing injuries, adding that relevant authorities were inspecting the site.
Drones intercepted over Riyadh and southern region
Al-Maliki confirmed that a hostile drone had been intercepted and destroyed over the Riyadh region.
In separate announcements, he also reported two drone interceptions over Saudi Arabia’s southern region.
The coalition said the drones were launched by Yemen’s Houthi group, although no further operational details were immediately provided.
Drone intercepted over Madinah
The coalition also announced that its air defences had intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Madinah region around midnight.
The announcement came amid continued tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has been involved in cross-border hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition.
Rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthis
The latest interceptions come as hostilities involving the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis continue to intensify.
The coalition supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthi movement, which has controlled the capital, Sanaa, and parts of the country since 2014.
Saudi Arabia has led the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government since 2015.
Recent attacks and interceptions have raised concerns about the security of Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure.
