Saudi Arabia has claimed that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles heading towards the holy city of Makkah. However, debris from the intercepted missiles fell at two separate locations on the outskirts of the city.
According to Reuters, Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that both missiles, which were heading towards the Makkah region, were successfully intercepted by the country’s air defence systems before reaching their intended targets. Following the interceptions, missile debris fell at two different locations.
Saudi state television identified the two debris impact sites as Sabouha village, located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), and Wadi Al-Mughamis, around 21 kilometres east of the holy mosque.
Saudi Arabia Accuses Houthis of Missile Attacks
In a statement issued early Thursday morning, Saudi Civil Defence blamed Yemen’s Houthi militia for the missile attacks, describing attempts to target civilian populations and locations as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
The statement further characterised the alleged attacks as a dangerous escalation of aggressive behaviour, stressing that targeting civilian areas was unacceptable.
Saudi authorities maintained that both ballistic missiles had been destroyed before reaching their intended destinations, although debris from the interceptions landed at the two identified locations.
Houthis Yet to Respond to Saudi Allegations
The Houthi militia has not issued any response to Saudi Arabia’s accusations regarding the missile launches.
Meanwhile, independent verification of the reported attack and responsibility for the missile launches remains unavailable.
Saudi authorities have confirmed the successful interception of both missiles, while details of the locations where their debris fell have also been released.
The incident comes amid continuing security concerns surrounding missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory and areas near its major religious sites.
