A ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels was intercepted by Saudi-led coalition forces near Riyadh, according to military officials. The attack occurred on Monday, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The coalition confirmed the interception through its spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Malki, who stated the missile was destroyed before it could reach its target.
The Houthi group has been targeting Saudi infrastructure, including airports, with a series of drone and missile attacks. This latest strike followed a previous attack on a Saudi airport, which killed 13 people. The Saudi civil defense agency later reassured residents that the threat had passed but urged continued vigilance.
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has seen the Houthis, backed by Iran, clash with Saudi Arabia and its allies. The Saudi-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes in Yemen, aiming to weaken Houthi forces. The Houthis have accused the coalition of war crimes, while Saudi Arabia has denied such allegations.
The missile attack on Riyadh highlights the ongoing volatility of the region. Despite diplomatic efforts by Iran to pursue diplomacy, tensions remain high. The incident underscores the continued threat posed by the Houthis and the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining security.
