Riyadh:The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government announced that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi group toward the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki confirmed in a statement that the missiles were intercepted before reaching their intended targets.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree countered the coalition's claims, stating that the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with three cruise missiles, asserting that the operation was successful. Additionally, Saree claimed that the Houthis targeted Pumping Station No. 11 in the Yanbu area of western Saudi Arabia with a drone, declaring this attack also achieved its objective.

Saree dismissed the coalition's announcement of intercepting a drone above Mecca, accusing it of disseminating false information and maintaining that Houthi operations focused on oil facilities and military bases. This incident is part of an ongoing military escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with frequent reports of missile and drone interceptions by the coalition targeting various parts of the kingdom.

The Houthis have consistently launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, intensifying hostilities in Yemen, while the Saudi-led coalition has responded with military operations targeting Houthi positions.