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Saudi-led coalition announces four drone interceptions

The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province and southern Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The announcement comes amid renewed fighting with Yemen’s Houthis and repeated attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The claimed interceptions remain the coalition’s account, while Saudi authorities have extended remote learning in Riyadh and Diriyah.

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A distant unmarked drone above dry rocky ridges.

Coalition names three interception areas

Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis, said four drones were intercepted and destroyed on Saturday. He named Riyadh, the Eastern Province and southern Saudi Arabia. The announcement described interceptions over the previous few hours.[1], [2]

The coalition also announced strikes on missile launch systems and drone infrastructure in Yemen. Its footage and descriptions of destroyed equipment were the coalition’s own account. Independent verification of the claimed interceptions and battlefield damage was unavailable.[1]

Renewed fighting reaches airports and energy sites

Yemen’s Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure since July. Riyadh’s King Khalid airport has repeatedly been targeted. Saudi Arabia is backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government, whose forces announced a counteroffensive called Dawn of Yemen. Saudi air attacks have also targeted an oil facility in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.[1]

Travel warnings and remote schooling continue

Foreign embassies have warned about regional security risks, while Saudi education authorities extended remote learning in Riyadh and nearby Diriyah. The measures accompany repeated attacks on infrastructure. Iran’s foreign ministry called for an inclusive political process in Yemen as fighting continued between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government.[1]

References

  1. News sourceAl JazeeraCoalition says it intercepted four drones over Saudi Arabia↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceRoya NewsCoalition reports four drone interceptions over Saudi Arabia↩
Russia-Ukraine warMiddle East balance of powerEnergy transition and climate

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