The Saudi-led coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen announced on Tuesday that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, towards southwest Saudi Arabia. The missile was aimed at Khamis Mushait, a city in southern Saudi Arabia that hosts a major airbase. Coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Malki stated that the missile was launched by Houthi militia and was destroyed.
Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition announced that it had conducted a military operation in the western Yemeni province of Al-Hudaydah, targeting military sites belonging to the Houthi group. The operation aimed to thwart plans for imminent attacks on waterways in the southern Red Sea. According to Al-Malki, the coalition's naval forces carried out the operation, which involved destroying legitimate military targets belonging to the Houthi militia.
The coalition's naval forces destroyed military targets, including weapons depots, stores of explosive boats, and sea mines, in Al-Hudaydah province. The operation was conducted to protect maritime navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The coalition stated that it had foiled a plot to launch imminent attacks on waterways in the southern Red Sea. The military operation was part of the coalition's efforts to support the Yemeni government's "Fajr Yemen" operation against the Houthis.
The military operation in Al-Hudaydah province was part of a broader effort to support the Yemeni government. On Monday, the coalition announced that it was providing air support to the Yemeni government's operation, which involved 100 fighter jets and resulted in the destruction of 324 "high-value targets". The coalition also provided air protection for Yemeni forces on the ground and secured the airspace over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Houthi rebels have been engaged in a longstanding conflict with the Yemeni government, which is supported by the Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and displacement in Yemen. The coalition's efforts aim to restore stability and security to the region. The interception of the ballistic missile and the destruction of military targets in Al-Hudaydah province were part of these efforts.
The Saudi-led coalition has been actively engaged in Yemen since 2015, when it launched a military intervention to support the Yemeni government against the Houthi rebels. The coalition's efforts have been focused on restoring stability and security to the region, as well as providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. The coalition's military operations have been conducted in accordance with international law and with the aim of protecting civilians.
The situation in Yemen remains complex and challenging, with ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns. The Saudi-led coalition's efforts to intercept and destroy the ballistic missile and to target military sites in Al-Hudaydah province reflect its commitment to supporting the Yemeni government and protecting the region. The coalition's actions aim to promote stability and security in the region and to prevent further humanitarian suffering.
Key points
- The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels towards southwest Saudi Arabia.
- The coalition conducted a military operation in Al-Hudaydah province, targeting military sites belonging to the Houthi group.
- The coalition's efforts aim to protect maritime navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and to support the Yemeni government's operation against the Houthis.
