JEDDAH: Saudi air defenses intercepted a missile heading toward the southern city of Khamis Mushait, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi Royal Air Force detected a missile launch from inside Yemeni territory at 8:20 p.m. on Thursday, said Col. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for Saudi-led coalition fighting to restore the legitimate government in Yemen, confirming the destruction of the missile.
Al-Maliki said that the control of ballistic weapons by terrorist organizations, including Al-Houthi armed militias, "represents a threat to regional and international security and that firing them at populated places is contrary to international humanitarian law."
The coalition asserted that the continuation of armed militias in targeting cities with ballistic missiles is the biggest evidence of the continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen by all ways and means contrary to resolution No. 2216.
Watch Arab News’ earlier video of Saudi defense forces shooting down a Houthi missile over Riyadh:
Saudi air force downs missile targeting Khamis Mushait
Saudi air force downs missile targeting Khamis Mushait
Saudi Arabia to host ‘dialogue’ between southern Yemeni factions
- The conference hopes to ‘develop a comprehensive vision’ to fulfill the aspirations of Yemenis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has invited factions in south Yemen to hold a dialogue in Riyadh to “discuss just solutions to the southern cause.”
The ministry statement said the conference in the Saudi capital had been requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people.
The separatist Southern Transitional Council has recently seized territory in the governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra.
Saudi Arabia said the STC action poses a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security, and regional stability.
Earlier this week, the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government carried out airstrikes targeting a shipment of weapons and vehicles destined for southern separatist forces. The shipment arrived in the port of Al-Mukalla on two vessels.
Saudi Arabia has reiterated the only way to bring the southern cause to a resolution is through dialogue.
Gulf and Arab countries on Tuesday offered their support for the internationally recognized government in Yemen.
