Saudi coalition intercepts missiles targeting Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu

Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu, as well as a drone in the Eastern Province, amid escalating cross-border attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia, the coalition said on Saturday.

Coalition spokesman Brig-General Turki Al Maliki said air defences shot down a missile launched towards Riyadh and intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting Taif and Yanbu.

He also confirmed that a drone had been intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Province.

The Saudi Civil Defence issued early warning alerts for potential aerial threats in Riyadh, Najran and Wadi Al Dawasir shortly after 4am, with two loud blasts heard in the capital minutes later.

Further alerts were issued for Jeddah, Yanbu, Taif and the holy city of Makkah before being lifted.

Saudi Arabia has faced a surge in drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport.

The latest escalation follows the breakdown of a four-year truce in July, amid wider regional tensions involving the United States and Iran.

The Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the group since 2015.