Houthi Missile Debris: Three Saudi Cities Hit After Intercepts
Saudi air defenses downed two ballistic missiles aimed at Mecca and Medina, sending fragments to Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Debris from two ballistic missiles struck three Saudi cities on Saturday after air defenses intercepted the projectiles.
Saudi Civil Defense confirmed the interception of the missiles, which were launched by Yemen's Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions. Fragments landed in the cities of Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a wider series of attacks on Saturday. Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the group, stated that they targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. He also listed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Najran airport among the targets. An air base in Khamis Mushait was also struck.
The military exchange occurred while the United States reviewed its travel guidance for the region. The State Department updated its advisory for Israel on Friday, citing an increased threat of armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces. The notice warned of potential rapid escalation in regional hostilities.
The overall travel classification for Israel remained at Level 3, which advises citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest. The department noted that previous Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure had led to casualties and travel disruptions.
