Saudi Arabia’s air defense forces intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen on Thursday, thwarting an attempt to target the cities of Taif and Yanbu. The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, in a statement, confirmed the successful interception by the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated that the missile launches represented an escalation and violations by the Houthi militia, and warned that such actions would be met with a firm response. The coalition has been engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis since 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The interceptions followed early warning alerts issued by Saudi Civil Defense across several regions, including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, and Tabuk. These alerts were part of emergency procedures to inform residents of potential threats. Civil Defense later announced that the danger had passed in all affected locations and urged citizens to follow official instructions, avoid filming incidents, and contact emergency services if necessary. Residents were advised to seek immediate shelter in safe locations away from windows and exterior walls until the threat was over.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of cross-border missile and drone attacks that the Houthis have launched against Saudi Arabia during the ongoing Yemen conflict. Saudi air defense systems have repeatedly claimed success in intercepting these projectiles before they reach their intended targets.
The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and much of the north, have accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes in Yemen. The group has vowed to continue operations deep inside Saudi territory in response to the ongoing Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.
The escalation in fighting near the crucial Red Sea shipping corridor has previously raised concerns among global markets and marked a return to civil war dynamics in Yemen. The conflict is also seen as a spillover from the wider regional tensions involving Iran.
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