Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Six Ballistic Missiles Targeting Major Cities

A Saudi-led coalition intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea and the city of Taif in southwestern Saudi Arabia, according to a spokesperson for the coalition. The intercepts were confirmed by alerts from Saudi civil defense authorities, who later noted that the danger had passed.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, claimed they fired dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at the kingdom's southwestern Jazan province. This comes as the fighting escalates in Yemen, where the Houthis are pursuing a blockade of Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter.

Major General Turki al-Malki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, blamed the Houthi rebels for the attempted attacks on Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia. The fighting has pulled Yemen back into civil war after four years of relative calm, with over 125,000 people fleeing the conflict.

The situation in Yemen is grim, with a humanitarian crisis growing. The Houthis have asserted they are targeting only the Saudis, but warned other nations against stepping in to support them.