Saudi-Led Coalition Says It Intercepted Six Houthi Ballistic Missiles

The Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen said it intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces toward western Saudi Arabia, according to a coalition spokesman cited by Anadolu Agency. The spokesman said air defense systems thwarted attempts to target the cities of Taif and Yanbu.

Taif is a major city in Saudi Arabia's Mecca region, while Yanbu is a key Red Sea port and industrial hub. Both have previously been named by the coalition as targets of Houthi missile and drone attacks during the long-running conflict in Yemen.

Part of an Ongoing Conflict

The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged militarily in Yemen for years, backing the country's internationally recognized government against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which controls much of northern Yemen including the capital, Sanaa. Cross-border missile and drone strikes by the Houthis toward Saudi territory, and coalition interceptions of such attacks, have recurred periodically throughout the conflict.

The coalition statement did not report any casualties or damage from the six missiles, saying they were intercepted before reaching their targets. The Houthis have not yet issued a separate statement on the reported launches, according to the report.