Saudi air defenses destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, thwarting an attack that sparked an air raid alert and explosions near King Khalid International Airport. The incident follows a recent escalation between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, with the rebels claiming to have targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
Houthi rebels claimed they launched multiple missiles and drones at Saudi targets, accusing the Saudi-led coalition of recent attacks on Sanaa. The Houthis denied allegations of targeting Mecca, calling it a 'worn-out lie,' and have since imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, controlling key areas near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, highlighting the threat to civilian and energy systems. The council called for international cooperation to prevent the Houthis from acquiring arms and other military support, emphasizing the need to enforce the UN arms embargo against the group.
The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting Houthi missiles and drones, with the Houthis claiming to have retaliated against Saudi strikes. The conflict has intensified, with the Houthis seizing strategic Red Sea islands and the Saudi air force conducting hundreds of airstrikes, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the broader Middle East conflict.