Houthis strike Saudi capital for third consecutive day

Saudi air defenses shot down a ballistic missile heading toward the capital in the latest strike by the Houthi movement, according to statements from Riyadh. The rebels, who have waged a years-long conflict against the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, said they had deliberately targeted Riyadh's airport with the weapon.

The attack represents an escalation in cross-border strikes, with the Houthis maintaining a sustained campaign against the kingdom over three consecutive days. Saudi officials did not immediately report casualties or damage from the interception, though such attacks have periodically disrupted civilian air traffic.

The Houthi movement has previously claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on Saudi infrastructure, framing them as retaliation for the coalition's military operations in Yemen. The group, designated a terrorist organization by Saudi Arabia and several Western nations, has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to conduct strikes deep into Saudi territory despite international efforts to counter the threat.

Yemen's conflict has created a humanitarian crisis affecting millions, with the Houthis controlling much of the country's populated north since 2015. The group's continued ability to launch such attacks underscores the persistent instability in the region and challenges facing international peacemaking efforts.