RIYADH: The Saudi-led military coalition has announced the interception and destruction of two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu, amid renewed military confrontation and growing concerns over civilian safety in the region.
According to the coalition, its air defence systems successfully neutralised both missiles on Saturday. Following the launches, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence authorities issued precautionary warnings for residents of Taif, Yanbu, Makkah, and Jeddah, advising them of potential security threats.
The warnings were withdrawn approximately ten minutes later after authorities determined that the immediate danger had passed.
The incident followed another missile interception a day earlier, when coalition forces reported destroying a ballistic missile directed towards Riyadh. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki confirmed the interception but did not provide further information about the missile’s launch location or intended target.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Yemen’s southwestern Taiz province has deteriorated following reported attacks attributed to Houthi forces.Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles as Violence Escalates in Yemen
The Yemen Network for Rights and Freedoms reported that two children were killed, three civilians injured, and four residents abducted during a 24-hour period of violence.
According to the rights organisation, at least 21 violations were documented, including the alleged firing of approximately 213 projectiles into residential neighbourhoods.
Among the injured were two women, while four individuals were reportedly taken to undisclosed locations. The organisation further alleged that Houthi fighters entered and looted three houses in the al-Hujariya district and damaged seven additional properties, two of which were completely destroyed.
The rights group also raised concerns about restrictions on civilian movement and the delivery of essential supplies, warning that prolonged hostilities were placing increasing pressure on residents and healthcare facilities.
It urged international organisations to intervene to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance. The Houthis had not immediately responded to the allegations.
The latest developments come amid an escalation in Yemen’s conflict, which intensified in July following a period of relative stability established after the April 2022 truce.
Since October 5, forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government have been conducting Operation Dawn of Yemen. Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi has described the campaign as an effort to restore government control over state institutions and reclaim Sanaa.
Yemen’s prolonged conflict began when the Houthis captured Sanaa in 2014, prompting Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015.
The Houthis continue to control substantial areas of northern and western Yemen, while government-aligned forces retain Aden and significant territories in the south and east.
