A Saudi-led military coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile over the Medina region on Thursday, October 15. Yemen’s Houthi movement denied targeting the city.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki announced the interception, according to Saudi state media and international news reports. The coalition’s initial statement did not identify who launched the missile.
Regional tensions rise
The reported interception came amid renewed hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with concern growing over the risk to civilian areas and infrastructure.
Medina is one of Islam’s holiest cities, making reports of a missile near the region especially sensitive. Houthi representatives denied targeting Medina and said they opposed attacks on the holy cities of Medina and Mecca.
The coalition also reported intercepting drones over Saudi territory around the same period.
Missile’s origin remains unclear
Neither the missile’s launch site nor its intended target was established in the reports available at the time. No confirmed casualty or damage figures accompanied the coalition’s initial announcement.
The incident adds to fears of further escalation linked to the conflict in Yemen. Responsibility for the reported missile launch remains disputed.
Sources: Associated Press; AFP via The Daily Star; Anadolu Agency.