Sanaa:The Houthi group has claimed that Saudi airstrikes targeted areas in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, as well as the northern Saada province, marking an escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV reported that Saudi aircraft launched missiles at a telecommunications network in the Saqain district of Saada, and in Maran, which is also within the same province.

Additionally, the independent website Al-Masdar Online reported hearing eight explosions in Sanaa, purportedly from airstrikes, with aircraft heard flying overhead during the incident. However, no details have been provided regarding possible injuries or the extent of the damage.

There has been no immediate response from Saudi authorities or the Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, about these claims from the Houthis.

In related incidents, early Saturday, Saudi Civil Defense reported that shrapnel from an intercepted Houthi ballistic missile injured an Asian national in the southern Asir region. A Houthi projectile had also struck a school in Najran, a southern Saudi city, on Friday, causing property damage but no injuries were reported.

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Friday the interception and destruction of four ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait.

This escalation follows the Houthi group's announcement on July 20 of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, which they stated was in retaliation for a Saudi naval and air siege on areas under Houthi control in Yemen. Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition in support of Yemen's government against the Houthis, who have held control of Sanaa and other regions since September 2014.