Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile targeting the Medina region in western Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudi-led military coalition claimed to have intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missile mid-air.
According to Anadolu Agency, Saudi authorities reported that the missile was fired from Yemen on Thursday (November 5). In a statement posted on the social media platform X, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki announced the downing of the missile.
However, the coalition did not provide details regarding the specific target of the missile or whether any damage was caused by its destruction. The Houthis have also not made any comments on the matter.
This announcement of a ballistic missile attack comes amidst escalating tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
During their ongoing operations against Saudi Arabia, the Houthis have repeatedly stated that their forces would not target holy cities like Mecca or Medina. However, the group has targeted airports, energy infrastructure, and military installations in these operations.
In recent months, the Houthis have also repeatedly attacked the port of Yanbu. A statement published online on Thursday by the Saudi Civil Defense agency said, “A warning has been issued through the national early warning platform in the Yanbu Governorate to warn against potential dangers.”
Located on the coast of the Red Sea, Yanbu is the terminus of Saudi Arabia’s East-West crude oil pipeline. This pipeline allows Saudi oil to be transported to various regions around the world while bypassing the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, the port of Yanbu and this pipeline have played a crucial role in supplying crude oil and energy to global markets, enabling Riyadh to ship oil and energy to the world market.
For context, in 2014, the Iran-backed Houthis seized control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, and other areas of the country. Following this, the Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out military operations against the group since March 2015.
