Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Ballistic Missiles Targeting Mecca and Medina

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense agency reported on Saturday that it successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi forces. The projectiles were aimed at the Mecca and Medina regions, with resulting debris landing in Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh.

The intercepts followed a series of Houthi attacks earlier that day. The group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, confirmed strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities 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 as additional targets.

This escalation occurred after Houthi-linked media reported on strikes within Yemen. The Saba News Agency cited the National Commission for Human Rights, which condemned Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa. The commission described a massacre in the Asr neighborhood and a separate attack on a cement factory in the Hamdan district.

The United States responded by updating its travel advisory for Israel on Friday. The State Department warned of an increased threat from armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists. Officials noted the potential for rapid escalation of regional hostilities.

The update maintained Israel's travel advisory classification at Level 3. This level urges American citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest. The department cited previous Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure, which caused civilian casualties and major travel disruptions.