Saudi forces destroy Houthi ballistic missile targeting Madinah
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Riyadh: Saudi air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards the Madinah region on Thursday, thwarting another attempted strike amid escalating attacks on the Kingdom, according to reports.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, announced the interception. The missile was destroyed before reaching its intended destination. The coalition did not disclose its precise target or report any casualties or damage.
The interception came shortly after Saudi Civil Defence activated its early warning system in Yanbu, a strategic Red Sea port and major oil export hub, alerting residents to a potential threat. A warning was also issued in Sharurah, near the Yemeni border, before authorities announced that the danger had passed.
The latest incident adds to a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis against Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. The group has previously targeted airports, energy facilities and military sites amid continuing hostilities involving the Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthis had not commented on Thursday's missile interception at the time of reporting.