Houthis Target Mecca and Riyadh with Ten Ballistic Missiles

Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted ten ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces from Yemen toward multiple areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Civil Defense confirmed debris from two intercepted missiles fell in Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, and Wadi Al-Maghmasa in the Mecca region.

A drone and a ballistic missile were intercepted over the capital Riyadh on Saturday evening, and coalition forces then downed a cruise missile heading toward Khamis Mushait, while air raid sirens sounded in Taif and Jazan through Sunday morning.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Muhammad Al-Budaiwi described these strikes as "a flagrant violation of the sanctity of sacred sites and an affront to the feelings of Muslims around the world," referring to the interceptions that occurred over Mecca, home to the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque. In response, the Houthis, a Zaydi Shia group, denied targeting sacred Islamic sites in the Kingdom.

Riyadh announced Saturday evening the resumption of international flights from King Khalid International Airport through Terminal 2 starting Sunday, and the allocation of Terminal 1 for domestic flights, following the suspension of flights in the wake of waves of Houthi strikes, including the October 10 strike that killed 13 people and wounded hundreds.

In contrast, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned early Sunday travelers, workers, and airlines at King Khalid International Airport, insisting the airport "is not safe because it is a military target," and announced seven operations targeting Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

On the ground in Yemen, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the execution of 736 strikes on Houthi positions within 24 hours, resulting in the neutralization of 307 people and the destruction of 68 military vehicles.