Saudi Arabia’s air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward the capital, Riyadh, Mecca and other areas on Wednesday, amid escalating military confrontations between the Iran-aligned group and the Kingdom.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched toward the Riyadh region, along with two drones targeting Mecca and the southern region. Two additional missiles were also intercepted after being launched toward the western region.
Houthis Deny Targeting Mecca and Claim Attack on Yanbu
For his part, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree denied that the group had targeted Mecca with drones, insisting that its operations were directed at oil facilities and military bases.
Saree said the Houthis had attacked a pumping station in the Saudi city of Yanbu, a major oil hub that provides an alternative route for exporting crude oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been restricted.
Saudi authorities have not confirmed the Houthi claim that the pumping station in Yanbu was targeted.
Saudi television reported that Civil Defense had issued warnings about potential dangers in the cities of Taif, Yanbu and Khamis Mushait late Wednesday, before subsequently announcing that the threat had passed.
Attacks on Riyadh and Oil Facilities Intensify
The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on the Saudi capital in recent days, saying the strikes were in response to Saudi attacks in Yemen.
A Houthi attack on Sunday reportedly damaged an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Riyadh’s business district.
The coalition said Wednesday marked the second consecutive day that Saudi air defenses had successfully intercepted Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh, after shooting down a ballistic missile and a cruise missile on Tuesday.
Last month, a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others.
Fighting Escalates Since September
Clashes between the two sides have intensified since last September, when the Houthis made advances toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Since then, the group has increased its attacks on airports, ports and oil facilities inside Saudi Arabia, while the Kingdom has intensified its airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The Houthis control most of Yemen’s densely populated areas, as military tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.
