Saudi air defences intercept 6 Houthi ‘ballistic missiles’

Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels on Thursday, according to a coalition spokesman. The missiles were fired at targets in Taif and Yanbu, a crucial Red Sea area vital for Saudi oil exports, before being neutralized. The Saudi-led coalition had previously issued emergency warnings for several regions, including the holy city of Makkah, prior to the missile launches.

However, these warnings were lifted shortly after the intercept. Saudi Civil Defence had previously issued similar alerts, which often preceded Houthi attacks. In response to the attacks, the coalition spokesman, Turki al-Maliki, vowed that "escalations and violations by the terrorist Houthi militia will be dealt with firmly."

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, alleging that they targeted Saudi military sites in Jazan, a province located near the Yemeni border. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the group launched a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at critical infrastructure such as operations rooms, command centers, weapons depots, missile launch sites, and military camps.

The latest attacks coincide with intensifying fighting between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen. Since the start of the conflict, at least 150 fighters from both sides have been killed, according to an AFP tally based on sources from both factions. Among the casualties, 98 government forces and soldiers were reported dead, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for the deaths of at least 52 of their fighters in clashes.

The intense battles have been occurring in various locations, including Kahboub Mountains and regions between the Lahj and Taiz areas, as the Houthis attempt to secure control over highlands overlooking Bab al-Mandab to protect their newly seized territory.