Two Houthi ballistic missiles intercepted near Mecca and Medina

Saudi Arabia's air defense systems have engaged multiple Houthi projectiles aimed at the kingdom's western and central regions in recent days. On Saturday, the Saudi Civil Defense confirmed that it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward the areas surrounding Mecca and Medina. Fragments from the downed weapons fell in three locations: Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.

The interception followed a statement by Yemen's Houthi movement regarding attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The group claimed it targeted the Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the group, stated that the Houthi forces also aimed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saree added that the operation included strikes on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran airport, and an air base in Khamis Mushait.

Earlier on Saturday, the Saba News Agency, which is linked to the Houthis, reported that Yemen's National Commission for Human Rights condemned Saudi military actions in the Yemeni capital. The commission described events in the Asr neighborhood of Sanaa as a massacre. It also cited an attack on a cement factory in the Hamdan district of Sanaa Governorate.

These events occurred while the US State Department updated its travel advisory for Israel on Friday. The notice warned American citizens of an increased threat from armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists. The department cited a potential for rapid escalation of regional hostilities. It referenced previous Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that caused civilian casualties and travel disruptions. The overall travel advisory classification for Israel remained at Level 3, which urges citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest.