Houthis target Saudi’s Madinah; coalition intercepts cruise missile
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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a Houthi cruise missile over the Madinah region on Thursday, as a series of attacks targeting the kingdom intensified security concerns and forced the postponement of a major Gulf-European summit, Saudi Gazette reported.
Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed that the missile had been launched by the Houthi militia and was intercepted before reaching its target.
The latest incident follows a series of interceptions involving 14 missiles and drones targeting Saudi territory in recent days. The threats included ballistic and cruise missiles directed at Riyadh, Al-Kharj and the Eastern Province, alongside five drones targeting the capital and the southern region.
The coalition said it was intensifying operational measures to counter the attacks, with a commitment to neutralise the Houthis' offensive capabilities and protect civilians.
The escalating threat has also disrupted high-level diplomatic engagements. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced the postponement of its summit with the European Union, originally scheduled for October 24 in Riyadh, citing security concerns and the extended suspension of flight operations at King Khalid International Airport.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said the decision was taken to safeguard participating delegations amid continued threats to Saudi Arabia and civilian facilities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the attacks with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, during a phone call on Thursday. Japan strongly condemned the repeated strikes against Saudi airports and civilian infrastructure.
The ministers also discussed bilateral cooperation, regional developments, energy security and the protection of navigation through regional and international waterways.