Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi missiles over Riyadh; debris causes damage

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense announced that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Riyadh. Debris caused material damage to a building, a construction project and a vehicle, but no injuries were reported.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense announced on Tuesday that it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward the capital, Riyadh, adding that fragments from the missiles fell across the city.

Site where missile fragments fell in Riyadh

Civil Defense said the fragments caused material damage to a residential building, a construction project and a vehicle. It confirmed that its teams had responded to the incident and taken the prescribed measures, without reporting any injuries. The coalition also confirmed that air defenses had successfully intercepted the two missiles before they reached their targets.

Houthis claim to have targeted the Defense Ministry

Part of a missile that fell in Riyadh

Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group had targeted the Saudi Defense Ministry headquarters in Riyadh with a ballistic missile, claiming a “direct hit.” He also claimed that an unmanned aerial vehicle had targeted Abha International Airport and disrupted air traffic there. The claims could not be independently verified.

The attack comes as the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The coalition previously announced the interception of missiles launched toward Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu, amid escalating clashes on the fronts of Marib, Taiz and Lahij in Yemen.