Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missile Targeting Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, was targeted by a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted the missile, which marked the first attempted attack on Riyadh since the escalation in the regional conflict.

Some residents reported hearing an explosion during the early-morning interception, while others later saw smoke near the airport. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported. The attempted strikes followed a series of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a drone that killed a Yemeni resident on Thursday and another alleged attempt to attack Mecca with a drone on Wednesday.

The Houthi military spokesperson claimed the group used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones to target 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities operated by Saudi oil giant Aramco. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim. Regional officials told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia has sought air-defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt as its supply of missile interceptors runs low.