Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify; drones, missiles intercepted

Yemen's Houthi rebels have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi-led coalition, air defense systems destroyed two drones aimed at the capital, Riyadh, on Saturday.

The coalition also said two ballistic missiles fired toward the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait were intercepted. The city is home to a major air military base.

Attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group have been steadily increasing since last July. The UN Security Council has previously condemned these attacks.

After a long ceasefire collapsed, the conflict in Yemen has become linked to the wider war in the Middle East. The Houthis are said to have attacked oil tankers and expanded control along the Red Sea coast, affecting energy markets.

Houthi political bureau member Hezam al-Asad said the current campaign is only a small exercise ahead of a full-scale war.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi called the attacks a serious violation of Saudi sovereignty and urged the international community to take strong action.

Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, called on Friday for nationwide mobilization.

According to the United Nations, about 138,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since August, nearly 70,000 of them children.