Saudi air defenses intercept multiple Houthi missiles and drones targeting Riyadh and Mecca

Saudi air defenses intercepted a series of Houthi missiles and drones launched toward Riyadh, Mecca and other parts of the kingdom on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition said. The coalition reported destroying three cruise missiles bound for the Riyadh region, two drones aimed at Mecca and southern areas, and two missiles directed toward the western coast.

"Our operations target oil facilities and military bases, not the holy city of Mecca," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said, denying that a drone was aimed at the city. Saree added that the group had struck a pumping station in Yanbu, a key oil export hub, though Saudi officials have not confirmed the claim.

Saudi civil defence issued alerts for possible danger in Taif, Yanbu and Khamis Mushait later on Wednesday, but state television later announced that the threat had passed. The interceptions marked the second consecutive day Saudi defenses have downed Houthi projectiles aimed at the capital, following the interception of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile on Tuesday.

The attacks come amid a recent escalation of hostilities that intensified in September when Houthi forces moved toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Since then, the group has increased strikes on Saudi airports, ports and oil facilities, while Saudi Arabia has stepped up airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.