Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi cruise missile and a drone targeting the Riyadh region, according to the Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the interception of the cruise missile in a statement posted on X on Saturday, November 7.
The missile was destroyed before reaching its intended target. Al-Maliki had also announced the interception of a drone targeting the Riyadh region late on Friday, marking two separate aerial threats against the Saudi capital.
More Missile and Drone Threats Reported
The interceptions followed other reported attacks on Saudi territory on Friday. According to the coalition, air defences destroyed two ballistic missiles targeting Najran province and intercepted a drone in the Makkah region.
The latest incidents come amid continued tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which controls the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen.
The Houthis have previously launched missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi cities and infrastructure, including energy facilities and airports.
Background to the Saudi-Houthi Conflict
Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis since March 2015, after the group seized Sanaa and expanded its control across the country.
The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, contributing to a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
A truce brokered in 2022 reduced fighting, but tensions have persisted amid stalled diplomatic efforts and renewed accusations of attacks on infrastructure.
The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences remain active against incoming threats. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the latest interceptions or information about casualties or damage.
