Riyadh Defenses Thwart Houthi Drone Attack Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict
Saudi Arabia's military coalition has thwarted an attempt by Yemen's Houthi militia to launch drones at Riyadh, the kingdom's capital. The coalition said it intercepted two drones and destroyed them.
According to the coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki, a ballistic missile targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait was also intercepted. Al-Maliki did not provide information on possible damage or casualties.
The attempted attack on Riyadh is significant as it shows the Houthi's ability to target the center of power in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has been facing increasing pressure from Houthi attacks, which have targeted oil facilities and a major pipeline.
The Houthi militia has stepped up its attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia amid a renewed escalation of the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen's internationally recognized government and has carried out airstrikes against the Houthis as part of the coalition.