Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia: Debris falls near Mecca and Medina

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems have reportedly intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels, with debris from the destroyed missiles falling in areas around Mecca and Medina, according to the Saudi Civil Defence.

In a post on X, the Civil Defence said the debris came from two ballistic missiles and landed in several locations. These included Wadi Mugammas outside Mecca, the Al Nuzha area of Jeddah, Wadi Jalil in Taif, and an uninhabited area in Rabigh.

Following the incidents, the Civil Defence, which functions under the Saudi Interior Ministry, issued alerts in four provinces in the western region. Residents of Mecca and other areas were advised to move to safe locations in view of the risk.

The Houthis claimed they attacked several locations in Saudi Arabia on Friday and Saturday. According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the targets included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the airports in the Dammam and Najran regions. The group also said it targeted the Khamis Mushait air base in the southern region, along with a pipeline that carries crude oil from the eastern region to the west, and oil pumping stations.