Riyadh: Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile targeting the capital Riyadh early Saturday, according to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

According to Anadolu Agency, coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki stated on US social media platform X that the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted the missile after it was launched by Yemen's Houthi group toward Riyadh. Al-Maliki emphasized the escalation by the Houthi militia and their persistent attempts to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Riyadh, a city with over 8 million citizens and residents. He highlighted the group's systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure, which reflects a pattern of hostile and terrorist behavior.

Al-Maliki also reported that the group attempted to target civilians and facilities in Baysh, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but Saudi air defenses thwarted these attacks. The coalition spokesman affirmed that the coalition leadership reserves the right to take measures it deems appropriate to deter Houthi attacks in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The Saudi statement followed claims by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, who announced that the group had conducted two operations involving multiple ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. Saree mentioned that one operation targeted 'sensitive targets' in Riyadh, while another aimed at Saudi Aramco oil company facilities in Yanbu.

Earlier on Saturday, Saudi Civil Defense issued alerts in Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj during the latest wave of warnings, without initially specifying the threat's nature. Saudi Arabia has recently faced several missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis, including an attack in Taif on Thursday, where falling debris from an intercepted drone resulted in one death and injuries to two others.