World · India Bureau
Saudi-led coalition intercepts four Houthi attacks on kingdom
The Saudi-led military coalition successfully shot down two ballistic missiles and two unmanned drones launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels toward targets in central Saudi Arabia. The interceptions drew expressions of solidarity from Gulf Cooperation Council nations and the United Nations Security Council.
LSN India ·
The Houthi militant group targeted the cities of Riyadh and Khamis Mushait with the aerial weapons in what marked another escalation in cross-border attacks from Yemen. The coalition's air defense systems engaged and destroyed all four projectiles before they could reach their intended destinations, according to statements from the Saudi-led alliance.
The attacks underscore the ongoing military tensions between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition that has been conducting operations in Yemen since 2015. Khamis Mushait, located in the southwestern Asir province near the Yemeni border, has been repeatedly targeted by Houthi missiles and drones over the past year.
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the latest assault, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia's defense against what it characterized as unprovoked attacks. The UN Security Council also issued a statement denouncing the strikes, emphasizing international concern over the proliferation of advanced weaponry in the hands of non-state actors in the region.
The coalition has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to intercept Houthi projectiles through coordinated air defense operations. However, security analysts note that the frequency and sophistication of attacks suggest the rebels are gradually expanding their offensive capabilities, presenting ongoing challenges for regional stability.