Saudi Arabia on Saturday said it was intercepting an apparent rocket or drone attack on its capital, Riyadh, amid the kingdom’s years-long war against neighboring Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Social media users have posted a video of an explosion in the air over Riyadh. Saudi state TV has quoted authorities in the kingdom acknowledging the interception.
The Houthi did not immediately admit to launching a missile or a drone at Riyadh. The US embassy in Riyadh has issued a warning to Americans and called on them to “remain vigilant in case of further attacks in the future”.
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The Houthis have been owning the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, since September 2014. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched a war against them in March 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The war has been at a stalemate for years. Riyadh was targeted in sporadic missile attacks at the time, while the Houthis also launched rocket and drone attacks.
Western experts, Saudi Arabia and the US say Iran has provided weapons, including ballistic missiles, to the Houthis. Iran denies that although devices in the weapons link to Tehran.