Saudi coalition intercepts missile fired towards Medina

The interception came minutes after Saudi Arabia's civil defense agency warned of potential danger near Yanbu, a major oil export hub. The coalition confirmed the missile was destroyed before reaching its target.

Medina is home to one of Islam's holiest sites, making any attack on the city particularly sensitive. The Saudi civil defense agency had issued a warning through the National Early Warning Platform in Yanbu Governorate, later announcing the threat had passed.

Houthi denial

The Houthis rejected accusations of targeting Medina, calling them a "blatant and grave falsehood." Their military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed their operations "target only oil facilities and military bases." The group has frequently attacked Yanbu port in recent months.

Yemeni advances

Separately, Yemen's government forces reported gains in the Sanamat area of Taiz governorate. Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili claimed they carried out 1,298 "targeting operations" against Houthis in 24 hours, killing about 400 fighters and destroying 132 vehicles.

The government previously reclaimed Taiz's Dhubab district and positions near Bab al-Mandeb strait. Military units continue clearing mines from recaptured sites. The government reported 16,100 Houthi operatives killed or wounded since October 5.

Regional conflict

Yazeed al-Jeddawy of the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies noted the conflict appears to be moving toward a prolonged war of attrition. "The conflict is no longer driven solely by the dynamics inside Yemen; it is intertwined with the wider regional confrontation and the war involving Iran," he said.