The key facts

  • Debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the village of Sabukha in the Mecca region
  • The day before, the coalition reported intercepting five missiles and two drones
  • A drone was shot down in the Eastern Province

Debris in the Mecca region

Saudi Arabia reported that debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the village of Sabukha in the Mecca region. According to the kingdom's civil defense authority, the missiles were launched by the Yemeni Houthi group. Anadolu agency reported this.

Interceptions in one day

Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Riyadh-led coalition, also announced that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a drone in the kingdom's Eastern Province. The day before, the coalition reported intercepting five missiles and two drones: three cruise missiles were heading toward the Riyadh region, two ballistic missiles were intercepted in the west of the country, and two drones were downed in the Mecca region and in the south.

Context

The incidents come amid an escalation between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition: the group has repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, while the coalition has been striking Houthi positions in Yemen.