Saudi-led coalition intercepts three Houthi ballistic missiles

The Royal Saudi Air Defense announced the interception of the missiles in a statement, underscoring continued threats posed by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement despite years of coalition military operations in Yemen.

According to the coalition's account, two of the three missiles were directed at Riyadh, the kingdom's capital and seat of government. The statement did not specify the intended targets of the third missile or provide further details about the timing or location of the interception.

The Houthi rebels have periodically launched long-range attacks against Saudi Arabia since the coalition began military operations in Yemen in 2015. The group has previously claimed responsibility for similar missile and drone strikes, though independent verification of such claims remains difficult.

The latest incident reflects the persistence of hostilities in Yemen's protracted conflict, where the Saudi-led coalition has supported the internationally recognized government against Houthi forces backed by Iran. Regional observers have warned that such attacks risk further destabilizing the Middle East and complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.