Saudi coalition intercepts six drones in Eastern, Madina regions

RIYADH: The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis said on Wednesday it intercepted six drones launched towards the kingdom, including in the Madina region home to one of Islam’s holiest cities.

“Four drones launched towards the kingdom have been intercepted and destroyed,” coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki posted on X, adding in a second post that the interceptions took place in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province, as well as Madina.

Al-Malki, who did not specify who was behind the launches, later said another drone had been intercepted, also in the Eastern province.

On Wednesday evening, the coalition announced it had intercepted a sixth drone launched by the Houthis.

The Houthis earlier denied having targeted the kingdom, with military spokesman Yahya Saree saying their forces had not carried out any operations “deep” in Saudi territory.

Saudi Arabia has this month come under sustained attack from the Houthis, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport that was the kingdom’s deadliest in years, as the war with the group escalates.

The group has repeatedly denied accusations from Riyadh that they have launched drones and missiles towards them.

In June, a four-year-old truce in Yemen’s civil war collapsed, reviving the conflict that dates back to 2014. A Saudi-led coalition has backed the internationally recognised government since 2015.