World · India Bureau
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missiles and Drones in Latest Attack
Saudi Arabia's military coalition said it successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft launched by Yemen's Houthi group. The Iranian-backed faction denied specifically targeting the holy city of Mecca.
LSN India ·
A Saudi-led military coalition announced the interception of three cruise missiles bound for the Riyadh region and two drones aimed at Mecca and southern areas of the kingdom in recent strikes attributed to Houthi forces. The coalition said it also destroyed two additional unmanned systems, though specific details regarding their intended targets remained unclear.
The Houthi movement, which controls significant portions of Yemen, has maintained that it does not deliberately target civilian populations or religious sites. A spokesperson for the group rejected accusations that Mecca was in their line of fire, characterizing the military installations and strategic locations as their focus.
These incidents represent the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The coalition has been conducting air operations against the group since 2015, following the Houthis' takeover of Yemen's capital Sana'a.
The intercepts underscore persistent tensions in the Arabian Peninsula and have raised concerns among regional observers and international analysts monitoring the volatile security situation in Yemen and its neighboring countries. Defense officials have indicated that air defense systems remain on high alert to counter future threats.