Saudi-led coalition claims to intercept a missile fired by Houthi forces towards Riyadh.
Xinhua News Agency, Riyadh, September 19 (Reporter Luo Chen) - Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated on the 19th that Saudi air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Yemeni Houthi armed group towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in the early hours of that day.
Al-Maliki issued a statement on social media that evening, saying that the Yemeni Houthi armed group has been continuously escalating its actions, attempting to attack civilians and civilian facilities in Riyadh.
He added that the Houthi armed group also attempted to attack civilians and civilian facilities in Saudi cities such as Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but all were thwarted.
The statement strongly condemned the Houthi armed group's attacks, emphasizing that the coalition has the right to take appropriate measures under international humanitarian law to curb the actions of the Houthi armed group.
On the 19th, two explosions were heard in Riyadh, one in the early morning and another in the morning. Thick smoke rose near King Khalid International Airport, located northeast of Riyadh. Recently, the Yemeni Houthi armed group has launched multiple missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, but this is the first time Riyadh has issued an air defense alert.
Saudi air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards Riyadh on September 19, 2023. The Houthi forces have been escalating their attacks, targeting civilians and infrastructure in Riyadh and other Saudi cities, including Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. Explosions were reported in Riyadh, marking a significant increase in hostilities.
- Saudi air defense intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh.
- Houthi forces are escalating attacks on Saudi cities.
- Explosions were reported in Riyadh on the morning of September 19.
- The coalition condemned the Houthi attacks and asserted their right to respond under international law.
- This is the first air defense alert issued in Riyadh recently.