Saudi Arabia downs missiles fired at Riyadh after Houthi attack on pipeline
Saudi forces intercepted two missiles fired towards Riyadh and another in the south after reporting damage to the key East-West oil pipeline.
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition announced it intercepted two missiles fired towards the kingdom's capital, Riyadh, and another aimed at its southern region. The incident occurred hours after reporting damage to the crucial East-West oil pipeline in the Medina region.
Major-General Turki al-Maliki, a coalition spokesperson, blamed the Iran-backed Houthis for Tuesday's attacks. In posts on X, he stated a ballistic missile and a cruise missile were destroyed over Riyadh, while a second ballistic missile was downed in southern Saudi Arabia.
Civil defense responds
Multiple explosions were heard in Riyadh, with residents receiving text alerts instructing them to take shelter due to an "aerial threat." The Saudi civil defense agency later confirmed the danger had passed. No injuries or deaths were reported in either incident.
pipeline operations were unaffected
Escalating conflict
The strikes represent the latest in a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia as fighting intensifies in Yemen between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government backed by Riyadh. The coalition has supported government offensives with air strikes, while the Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi oil infrastructure.
On Monday, the East-West pipeline was attacked again, causing a "limited fire" that was quickly extinguished. The pipeline has become increasingly vital as Tehran's restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz exacerbate global energy concerns following the US-Israel war against Iran.
On Sunday, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for attacking Riyadh's business district, causing minor damage to the Aramco Tower. Saudi officials released images showing officials inspecting the damaged building.
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