Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missile Near Riyadh

Saudi Arabia confirmed on Saturday that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to target its capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile. The coalition stated the missile was intercepted, and no casualties or damage were reported, though some residents heard an explosion and saw smoke. The Houthis claimed they targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, causing massive fires.

The rebels also reportedly attempted attacks in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh, and Farasan, which the coalition thwarted. This escalation signifies a new front in the Iran-Yemen war, impacting global markets due to the conflict's proximity to key shipping routes. The situation has intensified with recent incidents, including the first civilian casualty reported from an intercepted drone on Thursday and a previous drone incident near Mecca on Wednesday, which the Houthis denied targeting.

Concerns are rising as Saudi Arabia is reportedly running low on missile interceptors, leading to requests for air defense support from allies. Meanwhile, intense fighting has surged within Yemen, with rebels advancing along the Red Sea coast and seizing the port city of Mokha and islands on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, improving their surveillance of passing ships.