Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Houthi Drone Over Eastern Province

RIYADH, Oct 15: The Saudi-led coalition announced early Thursday that it had intercepted and destroyed a drone over Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province amid continued military escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group.

Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki announced the interception but did not provide further details, including the drone’s origin or its intended target.

Hours earlier, the Houthis claimed to have targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile, without providing details of any casualties or damage.

On Wednesday, the coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh. Warning alerts were activated in the Saudi capital and the nearby governorate of Al-Kharj.

Between Oct. 5 and 11, 10 attacks targeted five Saudi airports, killing 20 people, injuring hundreds and disrupting flight operations. King Khalid International Airport was targeted five times, accounting for 18 of the reported deaths.

The latest developments come amid a sustained escalation in military activity between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis since July, with attacks targeting civilian aviation facilities and energy infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthis since 2015. The group has controlled the capital, Sanaa, and several other provinces since 2014.