Saudi Missile Defense: Houthi Launches Intercepted Near Holy Cities
Debris from two ballistic missiles struck Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh after Saudi forces downed projectiles aimed at Mecca and Medina.
By Alessia Romano ·
Saudi air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthis toward the western part of the kingdom on Saturday.
The Civil Defense agency confirmed that fragments from the downed projectiles landed in three distinct locations. Debris fell in the port city of Jeddah, the city of Taif, and the industrial hub of Rabigh.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group targeted multiple Saudi infrastructure sites during the same window. His list included the Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saree also identified King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran airport, and an air base in Khamis Mushait as targets.
The military exchange coincided with reports of Saudi strikes in Yemen. The Saba News Agency stated that the National Commission for Human Rights condemned attacks on the capital, Sanaa. The group described the incident in the Asr neighborhood as a massacre and reported a strike on a cement factory in the Hamdan district.
The United States State Department issued a travel advisory update for Israel on Friday. The notice warned of an increased threat from Iran-backed Houthi groups and the potential for rapid regional escalation. Officials cited previous Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and infrastructure that caused travel disruptions. The advisory kept Israel at Level 3, which urges American citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest.
