Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missiles as France Pledges Defense Support
Saudi Arabia intercepted six Houthi ballistic missiles on September 24 after issuing warnings for several regions, including Mecca. The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's government since 2015 against the Houthis said the attacks were thwarted, with one targeting Taif and another Yanbu.
The latest escalation comes as fighting rages in Yemen between the Houthis and Riyadh-backed government forces, killing dozens of people on both sides. At least 150 Houthi fighters and government forces members have been killed in the past 24 hours, sources from both sides told AFP.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France planned to send 'military means' to help shield Yanbu, a key Saudi oil terminal on the Red Sea. The infrastructure in and around Yanbu forms a crucial node in Saudi Arabia's vast network of energy installations.