RIYADH — Arab Coalition forces intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi militia, targeting the Saudi capital Riyadh and the southern city of Jazan late Saturday, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported quoting a statement from the coalition forces. Two missiles were intercepted and destroyed above Riyadh and Jazan, Turki Al-Malki, the spokesman of the coalition, was quoted as saying. "This attack does not target only Saudi Arabia, but targets international unity and solidarity, especially under such difficult conditions in which the world is uniting in combatting the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic," Al-Malki said. "The launch of ballistic missiles by the terrorist Houthi militia and the IRGC at this time reflects the real threat of this terrorist militia and the Iranian regime sponsoring it." "This escalation by the Houthi militia does not reflect its announcement of accepting the ceasefire and de-escalation to reach a political solution with the Yemeni government," Al-Malki added. According to Al Arabiya report, residents and citizens in the northern districts of Riyadh heard three loud explosions around 11:20 p.m. local time. "Loud explosions were heard across the northern areas of Riyadh and sources confirmed it was after two ballistic missiles were intercepted and destroyed. We're hearing reports that the damaged parts of the missiles have now been scattered and we are yet to hear of any reports of injuries yet," Al Arabiya Riyadh correspondent was quoted as saying in a report carried by the network. Mohammed Al Hammadi the spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Riyadh said that "two civilians were injured by falling debris from the intercepted Houthi missiles as they exploded in mid-air." Two days back the coalition had intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis targeting the Saudi cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait.
