Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu on Saturday. Security forces also destroyed a drone approaching the Eastern Province.
The Saudi-led military coalition confirmed the interceptions as missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group continued to intensify.
Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Multiple Missiles
Coalition spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al Maliki confirmed that air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh.
Two additional ballistic missiles targeting Taif and Yanbu were also destroyed before reaching their intended destinations.
Meanwhile, coalition forces intercepted a drone in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
Authorities did not immediately report casualties or significant damage from the latest interceptions.
Emergency Alerts Issued Across Saudi Cities
Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency warnings shortly after 4am amid concerns about incoming aerial threats.
The initial alerts covered Riyadh, Najran and Wadi Al Dawasir.
Residents in Riyadh reportedly heard two loud explosions shortly after the warnings.
Authorities later issued additional alerts for Jeddah, Yanbu, Taif and Makkah.
Officials subsequently lifted the warnings after the immediate threats passed.
Houthi Attacks Raise Regional Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia has experienced increasing missile and drone attacks in recent weeks.
The latest incidents follow an earlier strike targeting Riyadh’s international airport.
Regional tensions have intensified since a four-year truce collapsed in July.
The conflict also comes amid continuing tensions involving the United States and Iran.
The Houthis captured Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
Saudi Arabia began leading a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government in 2015.
The latest interceptions highlight growing security concerns across the region.
