Riyadh, other areas: Saudi-led coalition intercepts missiles, drones

RIYADH: On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen reported intercepting missiles and drones in the vicinity of Riyadh and other regions, amid sustained attacks from the Houthis. Since the civil war reignited in July, the Houthis have targeted Saudi interests, including Red Sea tankers, oil facilities, and the capital's international airport, resulting in 13 fatalities in a single assault last week.

Saudi Arabia heads a military coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government against the Houthis for over a decade. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki confirmed the intercepts of three drones and two cruise missiles over the Red Sea, as well as a ballistic missile over Yanbu, a city hosting a critical oil pipeline terminus.

The escalation in attacks coincides with global energy markets turmoil, triggered by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February. The UN Security Council strongly condemned the continued and escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, as well as their threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Saudi foreign minister accused Iran of continuing to arm, train, and support the Houthi militia, echoing the deputy minister for public diplomacy's view that Iran's encouragement of the recent Houthi escalation. Yemeni government forces, with Saudi air assistance, have attempted to reclaim Houthi-occupied areas but have yet to reverse their gains.

Recently, the Houthi militia launched a deadly missile attack on the presidential palace in Aden, killing five and wounding 16, according to the health minister. Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani denounced the "cowardly" act, describing it as a continuation of the Houthi "criminal pattern." The Houthis reportedly targeted the Al-Maashiq Palace and weapons depots belonging to Saudi and coalition forces in Aden.