Saudi Arabia says it intercepted two missiles headed towards Mecca and Medina, while the Houthis deny targeting the holy cities
The warning came hours after the airport announced that Terminal 1 would handle domestic flights and Terminal 2 international flights operated by national carriers from Sunday. Airport operations were suspended on October 10 following an attack claimed by the Houthis that killed 13 people and injured more than 300. The Houthis denied targeting the two regions, saying their operations were directed at Saudi oil facilities and military bases. The group added that it announces such attacks when they take place. The shutdown was extended two days later. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi airports, ports and oil facilities with missiles and drones as the conflict widens.
Saudi Arabia ‘s civil defense said on Saturday it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis towards the Mecca and Medina regions, with debris falling at multiple locations, including Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh.
On Sunday, the rebel group’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree reiterated that Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remained a “military target” and warned airlines, airport staff and travellers against using the facility. Earlier reporting noted: “Civil defence in the Mecca and Medina regions began to respond to the falling debris from the interception of two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia,” it said in a post on X. The latest developments come as the Houthis continue to threaten Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure. Riyadh has also intensified its military involvement in Yemen, launching strikes against the group and supporting a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test. Debris fell in several locations, including Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, Some shrapnel also landed in Wadi Mughamas, outside Mecca.
Earlier reporting noted: Missile debris falls in Mecca, Medina after Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi strikes Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence said on Saturday it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions. Earlier reporting noted: Yemen’s Houthi group said it launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports on Saturday, including a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.