Saudi Arabia reports intercepting two ballistic missiles after shrapnel fell in the Mecca and Medina regions, raising fresh concerns amid escalating tensions with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement. Saudi Civil Defence said debris from the intercepted missiles fell in the two regions. However, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree denied that the group had targeted the holy cities, calling the Saudi account false. The Houthis have also claimed attacks on Saudi energy and aviation infrastructure, including an Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh refinery and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Airports in Dammam and Najran were also mentioned in the group's claims.

Saudi Arabia has intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh in a pre-dawn operation, as cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed group intensify. The missile was brought down shortly after 4 am, with Saudi air defences moving to neutralise the incoming threat. Saudi military spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the interception but did not disclose the missile’s origin or its intended target. WATCH