Saudi Arabia Downs Two Houthi Missiles Aimed at Mecca and Medina

Saudi Arabia's air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by Yemen's Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions on Saturday. Civil Defense authorities confirmed that debris from the downed missiles fell in three separate cities: Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.

The interception followed a coordinated Houthi offensive targeting key Saudi infrastructure. The group announced strikes on the Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. Military targets included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Najran airport. An air base in Khamis Mushait was also reportedly hit.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, confirmed the targeting of Dammam and Khamis Mushait. He stated that the attacks aimed to disrupt Saudi economic and military operations while supporting the war in Yemen.

Tensions escalated earlier in the day when the Saba News Agency reported that Yemen’s National Commission for Human Rights condemned Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa. The commission described a "massacre" in the Asr neighborhood and an attack on a cement factory in the Hamdan district of Sanaa Governorate.

The US State Department issued an updated travel advisory for Israel on Friday, warning American citizens of a heightened threat from Iran-backed Houthi attacks. The notice cited previous strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that caused travel disruptions. The overall advisory level for Israel remains at Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider their trips due to terrorism and unrest.