UPDATE – Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi ballistic missile targeting southwestern Saudi Arabia
- Coalition spokesman says missile was launched toward Najran, near Yemeni border
ADDS COALITION STATEMENT REJECTING HOUTHI CLAIMS
By Sahin Demir
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government said Thursday that it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward Najran in southwestern Saudi Arabia, near the border with Yemen.
Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said in a post on US social media company X that the missile was intercepted and destroyed after being launched toward Najran.
No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
In a separate statement, the coalition rejected Houthi claims about Saudi threats to target tribal and civilian gatherings in Yemen, describing the allegations as baseless and fabricated.
The coalition said the claims were part of what it called continued attempts to mislead public opinion, divert attention from the Houthis’ actions and practices, and involve Yemeni tribes in the group’s conflicts.
It stressed that Yemeni tribes remain an integral part of Yemen’s social and historical fabric and “serve as a bridge of brotherhood” between the Saudi and Yemeni peoples.
The coalition also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Yemen’s security and stability and its opposition to attempts to exploit Yemeni tribes or drag them into conflicts.
The incident comes amid renewed military escalation between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition since July, with both sides exchanging attacks.
Earlier Thursday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that the group had launched four missile and drone attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia over the previous 48 hours, including facilities in Riyadh, Dammam, Yanbu and Abha.
Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthis since March 2015.
Şahin Demir