Saudi 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.

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 Houthis 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 attack comes amid sharply rising tensions in the Middle East, a day after an explosion struck an Israeli-owned ship in the Sea of Oman, for which no one has claimed responsibility so far.

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.