The Saudi-led coalition announced that it successfully intercepted a series of missiles launched from Yemen toward the kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, and its southern region. According to Major‑General Turki al‑Maliki, a spokesperson for the coalition, a ballistic missile and a cruise missile were destroyed over Riyadh, while a second ballistic missile was downed over the southern part of the country.
Residents of Riyadh reported hearing multiple explosions and received text‑message alerts from the civil defence agency urging them to seek shelter due to an “aerial threat.” A subsequent message confirmed that the danger had passed and no injuries were reported.
The attacks are part of a broader pattern of strikes by the Iran‑backed Houthi movement against Saudi infrastructure. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi oil facilities, including refineries and storage sites, using drones and missiles. In recent weeks, they have also struck the East‑West oil pipeline in the Medina region, causing a “limited fire” that was extinguished and leaving pipeline operations unaffected.
Saudi officials noted that falling debris from an “attempted attack” had caused minor damage to the Aramco Tower in Riyadh’s business district. Images released by the state‑run SPA news agency showed the deputy governor of the Riyadh region and other officials inspecting the building, with damage visible on several floors.
While the Houthis have not issued a comment on the latest missile interceptions, the Saudi-led coalition’s statement underscores the ongoing escalation in the Yemen conflict. The coalition has been supporting the internationally recognised Yemeni government in its offensive to retake territory from the Houthis, while the Houthis continue to launch attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
These events highlight the broader regional implications of the conflict, as the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure threaten global energy supplies amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The Saudi government remains vigilant, with civil defence agencies maintaining readiness to respond to further aerial threats.
Source: Al Jazeera
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