Two Houthi Ballistic Missiles Intercepted Near Saudi Holy Cities

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense agency announced on Saturday that it successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis. The projectiles were aimed at the regions surrounding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Debris from the interceptions landed in several locations, including Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.

Yemen’s Houthis announced a coordinated series of attacks on Saudi infrastructure earlier on Saturday. Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that the group targeted the Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. Saree also confirmed strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The Houthi spokesperson further identified additional targets, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran airport, and an air base in Khamis Mushait. These claims follow reports from the Houthi-linked Saba News Agency regarding damage in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

The National Commission for Human Rights in Yemen condemned the recent Saudi strikes in Sanaa. The group described a massacre in the Asr neighborhood and an attack on a cement factory in the Hamdan district. These events occurred as the US State Department updated its travel advisory for Israel on Friday.

The State Department warned American citizens of an increased threat of armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists. The notice highlighted the potential for rapid escalation of regional hostilities without changing Israel’s overall travel advisory classification to Level 3. The department cited previous Houthi attacks that resulted in civilian casualties and major travel disruptions.