Saudi Arabia Intercepts 3 Houthi Ballistic Missiles Targeting Khamis Mushait

RIYADH, Oct 2: Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait on Friday, the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government said.

Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the three missiles were intercepted over Khamis Mushait. Saudi authorities did not immediately report any casualties or major damage from Friday’s interceptions.

The latest interceptions came a day after Saudi Arabia said its forces had destroyed two ballistic missiles and four drones launched toward the Kingdom. One missile and the four drones were intercepted over Khamis Mushait, while the second missile was intercepted over Jazan.

The escalation also caused property damage on Thursday. Saudi Civil Defense said debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in residential areas of Khamis Mushait, damaging several buildings and vehicles. No casualties were reported, and emergency teams carried out the required safety procedures.

Khamis Mushait has been repeatedly targeted during the recent escalation. On Sept. 14, the Houthis claimed they had launched a large-scale attack involving dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against King Khalid Air Base in the city, alleging that military facilities including aircraft hangars, radars and ammunition depots were targeted. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the Houthi claims of damage at the base.

The renewed attacks come amid a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict and cross-border hostilities after a period of relative calm following the 2022 UN-brokered truce. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia has accused the Iran-aligned Houthis of escalating missile and drone attacks against the Kingdom, while the Houthis have continued fighting and attacks from areas under their control