Saudi Arabia Thwarts Houthi Missile Barrage Targeting Holy Cities and Riyadh

Saudi air defence systems successfully intercepted a series of projectiles launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels, including ballistic missiles aimed at the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as the capital Riyadh. Fragments from two ballistic missiles, suspected to have been fired by the Houthis, were found in various locations across the Mecca province, including Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, and Wadi Al-Mughammas. The coalition also reported intercepting a drone and a ballistic missile over Riyadh. Earlier, a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait was intercepted, prompting warning sirens in Taif and Jazan. In total, 10 ballistic missiles directed at the southern region were neutralized.

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, condemned the strikes as a "grave violation of the sanctity of the Holy Sites and a provocation to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide." The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Muslim holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

This incident occurs amidst a recent surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting civilian and military infrastructure across the kingdom. Following the barrage, Riyadh announced the resumption of international flights from King Khalid International Airport, with Terminal 2 designated for international and Terminal 1 for domestic travel. This change follows a previous suspension of flights due to Houthi strikes, including one on October 10 that resulted in casualties.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree issued a warning to civilians, airlines, and airport employees, declaring King Khalid International Airport a "military target." He also claimed responsibility for seven operations targeting Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

The conflict in Yemen has seen intensified fighting since a brief ceasefire. Government forces recently launched "Operation Dawn of Yemen" to reclaim territories lost to the Houthis. Yemen's armed forces reported conducting 736 strikes on Houthi positions in the past 24 hours, resulting in significant Houthi casualties and the destruction of military vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Rasd Organization for Rights and Freedoms highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Taiz, which is under a Houthi siege. The organization warned of a critical shortage of dialysis supplies for kidney failure patients and the dire conditions faced by those in intensive care units and infants in incubators due to the ongoing siege.