Saudi coalition says it intercepted Houthi missile at Medina

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 21:26 · Archive

A ballistic missile fired at Medina was intercepted by Saudi air defences on Thursday, the coalition said.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthis announced Thursday that it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired at the Medina region, home to one of Islam's holiest cities. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said air defences had 'intercepted and destroyed' the missile. The announcement came minutes after Saudi civil defence issued a warning of potential danger near Yanbu, a strategic port on the Red Sea that serves as a key outlet for Saudi oil exports via the East-West Pipeline.

The Houthis rejected accusations they were targeting Medina. Military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote that their operations target only oil facilities and military bases, calling the allegation a 'blatant and grave falsehood'. The Iranian-aligned group has previously stated it would not target the holy cities of Mecca or Medina. However, the Houthis have repeatedly targeted Yanbu in recent months.

It remains unclear if the missile interception and the civil defence warning were connected. Al Jazeera reported that the civil defence agency later announced the threat at Yanbu had passed.

How it is being reported

• Saudi coalition intercepts missile fired towards MedinaInterception comes after Saudi civil defence agency warned of potential danger near the strategic port of Yanbu.Al Jazeera · 5 Nov, 20:48
• Houthi missiles fired at Medina intercepted, Saudi coalition saysA ballistic missile fired at the Saudi city of Medina, one of Islam's holiest cities, was intercepted Thursday, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels said. The announcement came shortly after the kingdom's civil defence agency warned of potential danger around the strategic port of Yanbu.France 24 · 5 Nov, 11:07

In this story: Saudi Arabia · Medina · Yemen · Houthis · Turki al-Malki · Yahya Saree · Yanbu

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log