Saudi Arabia reports intercepting missiles toward Mecca, Medina

Saudi authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles heading toward the Mecca and Medina regions on October 24, with debris reported at several locations in western Saudi Arabia. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree denied that the group had targeted the two cities, while claiming separate operations against Saudi oil and aviation sites. Saudi Civil Defence said debris from the interceptions fell in areas including Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh and near Mecca. Authorities issued alerts warning of potential aerial threats in several western areas and later said the danger had passed. The reports of interceptions and debris were based on statements by Saudi authorities; the supplied accounts did not independently verify them. Saree said the Houthis conducted seven operations using missiles and drones against Saudi targets. He named an Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh refinery, oil-pumping stations and the EastWest Pipeline, as well as airports in Riyadh, Dammam and Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait. The group said some operations hit their targets and claimed disruption at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Saudi authorities did not confirm those claims, and the...