Saudi Arabia claims Yemeni ballistic missile launched against Riyadh

Saudi Arabia claims the Yemeni armed forces have launched a missile attack against Riyadh and a drone attack against a southern Saudi province.

According to Press TV, Riyadh on Saturday claimed that its defense systems have intercepted the missile attack over its capital and the bomb-laden drones targeting Jizan Province.

The Saudi-led military coalition, which has waged a devastating war on Yemen since 2015, claimed Ansarullah Movement had launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh and three booby-trapped drones toward the Province of Jizan, with a number of other drones being monitored.

No casualties or damages were initially reported by Saudis. The Ansarullah forces have not yet commented on the alleged strikes.

Minutes before Saudi Arabia's confirmation, social media users had reported hearing the sound of an explosion in Riyadh.

The Saudi state-owned Al-Ekhbariya TV posted footage of what appeared to be explosions in the air over Riyadh.

Social media users also posted videos, with some showing residents shrieking as they watched the fiery blast streaking the night sky, which appeared to be the kingdom’s US Patriot missile batteries intercepting the ballistic missile.

The Saudi-led coalition has faced widespread international criticism for airstrikes in Yemen that have martyred hundreds of civilians and hit non-military targets, including schools, hospitals and wedding parties.

US President Joe Biden announced this month he was ending US support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, including “relevant” arms sales. 

Back in September, Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said Yemeni forces will keep up their retaliatory raids against sensitive and strategic targets on Saudi soil as long as Riyadh and its allies fail to end their military campaign and siege against Yemen.

ME