Saudi Air Defences Intercept Two Houthi Ballistic Missiles Targeting Riyadh
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RIYADH (Terror Monitor) — Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi group towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the Saudi-led military coalition said on Thursday.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, announced the interception in a brief statement published on social media.
According to Al-Maliki, the two ballistic missiles were launched by the Houthi group towards Riyadh but were intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defences before reaching their intended targets.
The spokesperson did not immediately provide further details about the exact time of the interception, the missiles’ intended targets or whether debris had fallen in populated areas. No casualties or damage were reported in the initial announcement.
Further Missile Threats Against Saudi Arabia
The latest interception comes amid an escalation in Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory.
The coalition had also reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile launched towards Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province earlier on Thursday, according to Qatar News Agency.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone threats in recent weeks, with previous attacks and interception attempts involving Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom.
The Associated Press previously reported that Saudi air defences intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles over Riyadh and three others directed towards the Eastern Province on October 27. Witnesses reported hearing explosions over the capital, while Saudi authorities said debris from intercepted missiles caused damage to a building, a construction site and a vehicle.
The Houthis have also made claims about strikes against Saudi military and energy facilities, although some of those claims have not been independently verified.
Regional Security Concerns
The latest missile launches come amid renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and large parts of the country's north.
The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its conflict with the Houthi movement.
The escalating attacks have also raised concerns over the security of Saudi airports, energy infrastructure and other strategic facilities, as regional diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a wider military confrontation.
There was no immediate response from the Houthis to the Saudi-led coalition’s latest announcement.
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