Saudi-Houthi Tensions Escalate: Drone Intercepted Near Medina as Attack Hits Yemen’s Aden

Houthi Attacks Raise Saudi-Yemen Tensions: Drone Intercepted Near Medina, Missiles Target Aden

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group reportedly launched fresh attacks on Friday, targeting locations in Saudi Arabia and southern Yemen. Saudi authorities said their forces intercepted a drone over the Medina region, while Yemeni officials reported ballistic missile strikes near Aden airport and the Maashiq presidential palace complex.

The latest developments have heightened tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, renewing concerns about the security situation in the region.

Drone intercepted near Medina and Mecca
According to Reuters, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis over the Medina region, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.

The coalition had earlier reported intercepting another drone over the Mecca region. Mecca is home to the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba and receives millions of Muslim pilgrims annually.

The reported incidents have drawn attention to the security risks facing Saudi Arabia’s most important religious centres. However, the Houthis have rejected allegations that they targeted these locations.

Ballistic missiles target Aden airport and presidential complex
In southern Yemen, ballistic missiles were reportedly fired towards Aden airport and the Maashiq presidential palace complex on Friday.

A Yemeni government military spokesperson confirmed the attacks but did not provide information about casualties or the extent of damage. A police official told AFP that two missiles had targeted the presidential complex.

Residents reported hearing two explosions, while eyewitnesses said ambulances entered the palace compound following the incident.

Aden is a strategically important port city and the headquarters of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. It has witnessed repeated attacks since fighting intensified again in July.

The latest missile strikes came after another Houthi attack on Aden airport on Wednesday, which followed an evacuation warning issued by the group. The airport is a key gateway for humanitarian operations and travel into the region.

Houthis reject allegations of targeting holy cities
Saudi Arabia has previously accused the Houthis of carrying out attacks near Mecca and Medina. In September, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a drone south of Mecca. In October, it accused the group of targeting a power station that supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

The Houthis denied those allegations.
On Friday, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree again rejected claims that the group had attacked Saudi territory. He said the group’s operations were directed against Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

The conflicting statements come amid renewed hostilities, with the latest incidents adding to uncertainty over the security situation in Yemen and the wider region.