A Saudi-led military coalition has said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards targets in Saudi Arabia, amid escalating regional tensions.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki said on Thursday that two missiles were heading towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh, while the third was directed towards Khamis Mushait in the southwestern Asir region.
Separately, Saudi Civil Defence reported that debris from an intercepted missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh. No casualties were reported in that incident.
The interceptions came as the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi airport infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The group said its missile attack had disrupted air traffic, although the claim could not be independently verified.
The escalating exchanges have raised concerns over civilian safety and regional transport links, with several international airlines suspending or cancelling flights to Riyadh amid security concerns.
The latest developments come as fighting intensifies in Yemen between Houthi forces and troops aligned with the internationally recognised Yemeni government, supported by the Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has also increased concerns about security around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping route.
