Saudi Arabia said on Saturday it had intercepted an apparent missile or drone attack on its capital, Riyadh, amid the kingdom’s long-running war against neighboring Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Social media users posted videos of what appeared to be an explosion in the air over Riyadh. Saudi state television cited authorities in the kingdom who acknowledged the interception.
The Houthis did not immediately recognize the launch of a rocket or drone to Riyadh. The US embassy in Riyadh issued a warning to the Americans, asking them to “remain alert in case of further attacks”.
Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto by Getty Images
The Houthis have held Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since September 2014. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched a war against them in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
The war has been stagnant for years. The riad was targeted in sporadic missile attacks at the time, while the Houthis also fired rocket and drone strikes.
Western experts, Saudi Arabia and the United States say Iran has supplied weapons, including ballistic missiles to houthis. Iran denies this, although weapons devices are linked to Tehran.