Saudi Arabia's military spokesperson said Houthi forces launched 6 ballistic missiles at Yanbu port on the Red Sea and the southwestern city of Taif. The missiles were intercepted by Saudi air-defence systems, according to the statement.
The spokesperson, Saudi Major General Turki al-Malki, blamed the attack on the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which operates from neighbouring Yemen. Saudi civil-defence officials had issued a warning before later saying that the danger had passed.
The Houthis subsequently claimed they had fired dozens of ballistic missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia's southwestern Jazan province. The report also links the latest episode to accusations in recent days that the group attempted attacks against Saudi targets, including the capital Riyadh.
Why the Red Sea matters
The fighting is taking place near a major Red Sea shipping corridor. That location has increased concern in global markets because the conflict involves Saudi Arabia, described in the report as the world's largest oil-exporting country, and could affect attention around commercial movement through the region.
The Houthi group said it was targeting Saudi Arabia and that commercial shipping in the Red Sea faced no danger. It also warned other countries against becoming involved in the conflict.
The reported attacks came as Yemen's internationally recognised government prepared to address the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations. Yemen, described in the report as the Arab world's poorest country, has been caught in a conflict backed by Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Wider conflict and displacement
The fighting pushed Yemen back toward civil war after 4 years of relative calm, according to the report. The humanitarian situation has worsened, with more than 125,000 people displaced by the conflict.
Saudi Arabia has sought military assistance from its allies. The United States, identified as its main ally in the report, said it was in contact with the Houthis and indicated that it would stay out of the fighting.
Saudi Arabia also signed the Mecca Pact with Pakistan and Turkey. The report says neither country had provided active support under the pact by the time of the account.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia says its air defences stopped 6 missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif, while the Houthis claimed a separate larger attack involving missiles and drones in Jazan. The competing claims have added pressure around the Red Sea and highlighted the continuing humanitarian cost of Yemen's conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did Saudi Arabia say happened?
Saudi Arabia's military spokesperson said 6 ballistic missiles targeting Yanbu port and Taif city were intercepted.
Q. Who did Saudi Arabia blame for the missile launches?
The statement blamed Iran-backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen.
Q. What did the Houthis claim later?
The Houthis claimed they had launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones toward Jazan province.
Q. Did the Houthis say commercial shipping was a target?
No. The group said commercial shipping in the Red Sea was not under threat, while warning other countries not to join the conflict.
Q. How many people have been displaced in Yemen?
More than 125,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, according to the report.
Q. What is the Mecca Pact mentioned in the report?
Saudi Arabia signed the pact with Pakistan and Turkey, but the report says neither country had provided active support under it.
Q. What was the United States' position?
The report says the United States was in contact with the Houthis and indicated it would stay out of the fighting.
