Saudi Arabia Intercepts Six Ballistic Missiles Fired by Houthis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi group on Thursday, following security alerts issued for several regions of the kingdom.
The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government said the missiles were intercepted before reaching their reported targets in Taif and Yanbu. No immediate information was available about possible casualties or property damage.
Saudi Civil Defence had earlier issued alerts for residents in several areas, including Makkah, Yanbu, Taif, Jeddah and Tabuk. The warnings were withdrawn shortly afterwards.
Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki said on social media that the Saudi authorities would respond to what he described as continued escalations and violations by the Houthis.
The Houthis later claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi military positions in Jazan province, near the border with Yemen.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had launched missiles and drones against several military locations. He said the targets included command centres, weapons storage facilities, missile launch positions and military camps.
Fighting Intensifies in Yemen
The missile attacks came amid renewed fighting between Houthi forces and troops aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
According to an AFP tally based on information from sources on both sides, at least 150 fighters were killed during clashes over the previous 24 hours. The government side reported 98 deaths, while the Houthis said 52 of their fighters had been killed.
Fighting has also been reported around the Kahboub Mountains and areas between Lahj and Taiz, where the Houthis are seeking to strengthen their position in the highlands overlooking the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Government-aligned forces also reportedly repelled overnight Houthi attacks on a major supply route connecting the southern port city of Aden with Taiz.
The route through Hejat al-Abd is considered important for military supplies as well as civilian and commercial traffic to Taiz. The city has faced significant restrictions on travel, with no regular commercial flights currently operating.
Control of parts of the Taiz-Aden route could further affect access to Taiz and increase pressure on government forces in the area.
UN Raises Concern Over Civilian Casualties
The United Nations has also expressed concern over the impact of the renewed fighting on civilians.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said civilians were facing the consequences of the latest escalation and called for their protection during the conflict.
Turk’s office said at least 125 civilians had been killed or injured in Houthi attacks since the beginning of August.
The latest developments add to the continuing security and humanitarian challenges in Yemen, where fighting between the Houthis and government-aligned forces has persisted for years.
