The Saudi-led coalition announced the successful interception of a widespread barrage of projectiles targeting cities across the kingdom from neighbouring Yemen. According to the Saudi Civil Defence, shrapnel from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, and Wadi Al-Mughammas within the Mecca province. The coordinated attack, which commenced on Saturday evening, also saw air defences neutralise a drone and a ballistic missile over the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

By Sunday midday, coalition forces further intercepted a cruise missile directed at Khamis Mushait, as warning sirens blared across Taif and Jazan. In total, authorities reported the interception of 10 ballistic missiles aimed at the kingdom's southern region. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi denounced the strikes as a severe violation of the sanctity of holy sites and a deliberate provocation to Muslims worldwide, given the proximity of interceptions to Mecca. Meanwhile, Houthi representatives have denied targeting religious sites.

The kingdom has experienced repeated waves of missile and drone attacks in recent weeks, impacting civilian infrastructure and aviation. Riyadh announced late Saturday that international flights at King Khalid International Airport would partially resume from Terminal 2, following earlier suspensions prompted by devastating strikes. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree issued a statement warning civilians and carriers away from the capital's aviation hub, alleging that the facility serves as a military target.

On the ground in Yemen, the ongoing military escalation has triggered severe humanitarian concerns. The Rasd Organization for Rights and Freedoms issued urgent warnings regarding the catastrophic situation in the besieged city of Taiz, where over a thousand vulnerable patients—including those requiring dialysis and infants in incubators—face extreme risks due to critical shortages under the ongoing blockade.

Source: www.aljazeera.com