Riyadh: The Saudi-led Yemeni coalition has reported that two missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, were successfully intercepted and destroyed using air defense systems. The attack attempt took place on Tuesday. The new attack on the capital occurred amid intensifying military clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis over the past few weeks.
The coalition stated that the Houthis fired one ballistic missile and one cruise missile aimed at Riyadh. However, Saudi air defense systems detected and destroyed the missiles mid-air before they reached their targets. Following the attack attempt, security measures were strengthened in the capital and surrounding areas. Even prior to the official confirmation from the coalition, Saudi Civil Defense authorities issued an emergency security alert to Riyadh residents, advising caution in light of the aerial attack threat. After the missiles were intercepted and destroyed, Civil Defense declared that the immediate threat to the capital had ended.
Meanwhile, the coalition also announced in a special statement that another ballistic missile launched by the Houthis targeting the southern region of Saudi Arabia was successfully intercepted and destroyed. Saudi Civil Defense had earlier issued warnings about a possible missile attack on key southwestern Saudi cities including Abha and Khamis Mushait. Authorities later confirmed that the danger had passed.
Southern border regions of Saudi Arabia adjoining Yemen have long faced missile and drone threats from the Houthis. These attacks have frequently targeted military camps, strategic centers, energy production facilities, and oil storage sites. Such assaults pose risks not only to Saudi Arabia’s internal security but also to critical economic infrastructure.
Since last September, clashes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government have intensified. One significant factor escalating the conflict has been increased Houthi military activity near the Strait of Hormuz, adjacent to the Arabian Peninsula, and near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait—the southern gateway to the Red Sea.
Bab al-Mandeb Strait holds a crucial position on the primary shipping route connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, playing a vital role in global maritime trade. The area is essential for international cargo transport passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, as well as for oil tanker traffic. Hence, rising military tensions in this region raise concerns about disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.
The security environment in the Middle East has become more complex amid escalating US-Israeli military confrontations with Iran. In this context, the Houthis have reportedly stepped up attacks against Saudi Arabia’s airports, ports, and oil production and storage facilities. In response, Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi military bases and other strategic sites in Yemen.
The recent missile attack attempts on Riyadh and southern Saudi cities heighten fears of further escalation in regional conflict. Repeated attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s major cities and economic hubs risk undermining security and regional stability in the Gulf area.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
