Two Houthi Missiles Intercepted Near Mecca and Medina

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense agency reported on Saturday that it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions. Fragments from the downed projectiles landed in three distinct locations: Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.

The interceptions followed a statement from the Houthis claiming they targeted key Saudi infrastructure on the same day. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, identified several sites as targets. These included a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saree also listed King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran airport, and an air base in Khamis Mushait.

Houthi media outlets simultaneously reported on strikes in Yemen’s capital. The Saba News Agency cited Yemen’s National Commission for Human Rights, which condemned Saudi actions in Sanaa. The commission described a "massacre" in the Asr neighborhood and an attack on a cement factory in the Hamdan district.

These events occurred as the United States updated its guidance for travelers. The State Department issued a warning for Israel on Friday, noting an increased threat from Iran-backed Houthi forces. Officials cited previous Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure that caused travel disruptions and casualties. The department maintained Israel’s travel advisory at Level 3, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest.

The US advisory highlighted the potential for rapid escalation in regional hostilities. It referenced specific risks associated with armed attacks by Houthi terrorists. No change was made to the existing risk indicators or restrictions on travel to certain areas of the country.