Two Missiles Shot Down Near Islam's Holiest Cities
Saudi defense forces report the interception of projectiles aimed at Mecca and Medina amid a broader regional exchange.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
Riyadh reported on Saturday that it had shot down two ballistic missiles aimed at the Mecca and Medina regions. These areas hold deep religious significance for Muslims. Civil Defense officials stated that fragments from the intercepted devices landed in multiple cities. Reports placed debris in Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh. No injuries were reported in those locations.
The interceptions took place during a wider exchange of fire. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced attacks on several Saudi sites. Targets included a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu. The Rabigh oil refinery was also struck. Saree said the group targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. He added that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was hit. The list included Najran airport and an air base in Khamis Mushait.
Reports from Yemen describe damage on their own territory. The Saba News Agency, which is linked to the Houthis, covered the aftermath of Saudi strikes in Sanaa. Yemen’s National Commission for Human Rights issued a statement on the matter. The commission condemned the Saudi actions in the capital. It described an event in the Asr neighborhood as a “massacre.” A cement factory in the Hamdan district of Sanaa Governorate was also hit.
The United States is watching the situation closely. The State Department updated its travel advisory for Israel on Friday. The notice warns of an increased threat of armed attacks. It names Iran-backed Houthi forces as a source of this risk. The update also notes the potential for rapid escalation of hostilities in the region.
Washington did not change its classification for Israel. The travel advisory remains at Level 3. This level urges American citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest. Existing risk indicators are still in place. Restrictions on travel to certain areas of the country remain unchanged.
The State Department cited its reasons for the warning. It referenced past Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The agency noted strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. Those incidents caused civilian casualties. They also led to major travel disruptions.
The sequence of events on Saturday remains under review. It is unclear how the attacks in Yemen relate to the strikes in Saudi Arabia. The specific locations of the intercepted missiles were not detailed beyond the regions. Reports of casualties in Sanaa are also pending confirmation. The exchange of fire follows the recent travel warnings.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
