Saudi Arabia downs missiles fired at Riyadh after Houthi attack on pipeline | Houthis News
Saudi Forces Intercept Missiles Aimed at Riyadh Following Pipeline Attack
Saudi Arabia’s military coalition has successfully intercepted two missiles targeting the capital, Riyadh, and another aimed at the southern region of the country, according to officials. The interceptions follow reports of damage to a key East-West oil pipeline amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Yemen.
Major-General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, attributed the missile launches to the Iran-backed Houthi movement. He stated that both a ballistic missile and a cruise missile were intercepted and destroyed over Riyadh, while another ballistic missile was downed over southern Saudi Arabia.
Residents in Riyadh reported hearing multiple explosions and receiving alerts advising them to seek shelter due to an “aerial threat.” A subsequent update from the Saudi civil defense agency indicated that the danger had passed. No immediate response from the Houthis regarding the intercepted missiles was available.
The missile strikes are part of an ongoing series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, which are linked to the protracted conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is supported by Riyadh. The coalition has assisted the Yemeni government in reclaiming territory through airstrikes, while the Houthis have launched repeated assaults on Saudi oil infrastructure using drones and missiles.
In a separate incident, the East-West oil pipeline in Medina was reportedly targeted on Monday. A Saudi Energy Ministry official told the state-run Saudi Press Agency that the attack caused a “limited fire,” which was quickly extinguished, adding that pipeline operations remained unaffected. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The East-West pipeline is a crucial artery for Saudi oil exports, particularly as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, due to U.S.-Israel military engagements with Iran, pose a significant risk. The pipeline has faced multiple attacks as the conflict fuels an ongoing global energy crisis.
Additionally, the Houthis announced an attack on Riyadh’s business district over the weekend. Saudi authorities indicated that debris from what they described as an “attempted attack” resulted in minor damage to Aramco Tower. Images released by the state agency showcased officials inspecting the tower, where damage was evident on several floors.
