Iran war latest: Saudi coalition 'intercepts Houthi drones headed for Riyadh'

Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed two drones launched by Yemen's Houthi movement towards Riyadh, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Major General Turki Al Malki, the coalition's spokesman, confirmed that the drones were stopped before reaching their target. The Houthi group has a history of launching missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia amid ongoing regional tensions.

In a separate incident, Saudi air defenses also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile headed towards Khamis Mushait, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia that houses a significant air base. Hezam Alasad, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, claimed the attack was a "small-scale rehearsal for a full-scale escalation."

Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts in Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan, later confirming that the threat had passed in those areas. Authorities advised residents to adhere to official instructions, remain calm, stay indoors, avoid windows and glass, stay away from open areas, balconies, and rooftops, and seek shelter in nearby buildings or solid barriers.

Those traveling at the time were instructed to pull over away from bridges and high-rise buildings if they encountered a warning. Emergency services urged residents to follow updates from Saudi authorities via official channels and contact 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 998 in other parts of the Kingdom.