Saudi-led coalition intercepts a Houthi ballistic missile north of Riyadh as missile and drone attacks intensify amid renewed fighting in Yemen.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — WEB DESK: The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile north of Riyadh early Wednesday, marking another escalation in renewed cross-border hostilities between the two sides.
The missile was launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen and was detected before being destroyed north of the Saudi capital.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said intelligence systems were tracking the missile launch platform in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, as military operations continued against missile threats.
The latest interception came as fighting in Yemen intensified and missile and drone attacks increasingly threatened Saudi territory.
Another Houthi ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia was also intercepted and destroyed. Saudi forces have identified Sanaa, Saada and Amran as key areas from which missile threats have emerged during the latest escalation.
The Houthis have separately claimed a series of missile and drone operations targeting Saudi airports and military installations, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Not all of the group’s claimed attacks have been independently confirmed.
The latest attacks come amid a major escalation in Yemen, where government forces backed by Saudi Arabia have intensified military operations against Houthi-held territory.
Fighting has increased around strategically important areas near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. The renewed conflict has raised concerns over regional security as well as the safety of international shipping and aviation.
Saudi Arabia has maintained that it will continue defensive operations against ballistic missiles and drones threatening its territory, civilian population and critical infrastructure.
The situation remains highly volatile, with further military developments expected as fighting continues inside Yemen and cross-border attacks persist.
