The key facts

  • Three ballistic missiles flying toward Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province were intercepted
  • The day before, three drones were shot down over the Riyadh region and the south of the country
  • The coalition reported strikes on Houthi launchers, tunnels and a missile depot

Missile interception and strikes on Houthi positions

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition announced early on Tuesday morning that its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi group toward the kingdom's Eastern Province. The statement did not specify the intended targets, nor any possible casualties or damage, notes Anadolu.

Context of the escalation

The day before, on Monday, the coalition reported intercepting three drones over the Riyadh region and the south of the country, without naming their origin or targets. At the same time, it announced strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen: according to the coalition, ballistic missile launchers, storage tunnels and a missile depot were destroyed. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the operations were aimed at destroying the group's missile network and its supply routes.

What is known about the conflict

The escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has continued since July amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition in support of the Yemeni government since March 2015; the Houthis have controlled the capital Sanaa and other parts of the country since September 2014.