Saudi Arabia says it intercepted six Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Taif and Yanbu

Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that its air defences intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards the kingdom, as authorities issued brief warnings over a potential threat in several areas.

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, said the interceptions prevented attempts to target the western Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu. He said Saudi authorities would deal firmly with what he described as Houthi “escalation and violations”.

The Saudi Civil Defence separately issued alerts through the National Early Warning Platform for Makkah, Taif, Jeddah, Yanbu and Tabuk. The warnings were lifted shortly afterwards, according to reports citing the Civil Defence authorities.

The latest interceptions follow a series of reported Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. On September 19, Saudi authorities said they intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh, while also reporting that attempted attacks on Baish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu had been thwarted.

The September 19 incident was the first reported Houthi missile attack on Riyadh since the latest escalation in fighting began in July. Residents reported explosions and smoke near the capital’s airport, although Saudi authorities said there were no casualties or damage.

Saudi Arabia had also reported an attempted attack involving a drone near Makkah in the previous week. The Houthis denied responsibility for that incident.

The latest Saudi statements did not provide details on whether Thursday’s interceptions caused damage or casualties.