Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, with no casualties or damage reported. The attack, which occurred at dawn, was thwarted by Saudi defenses, marking the first such incident since July's escalation with Houthis.
The missile, fired by Iran-backed Houthis, was intercepted and destroyed, with the coalition confirming the attack. Houthis claimed to have targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, but these were also thwarted. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts overnight, warning of a hostile aerial threat.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with renewed clashes in Yemen's Marib, Taiz, and Lahj. Jordan, the UN, and the GCC condemned the attacks, emphasizing the threat to regional stability. Military experts note that controlling mountainous terrain is key to containing the Houthis, rather than defeating them militarily.
Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of launching 26 attacks in 24 hours, while Saudi officials affirmed their right to take appropriate action against the group. The incident underscores the complex dynamics of the conflict, with both sides escalating tensions in the region.