JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia said its air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Houthi militia toward the southern province of Jazan, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi-led Coalition spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said the missile was spotted at 7:05 p.m. coming from within the Yemeni territory of Amran governorate headed toward the Kingdom.
“The missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels was in the direction of the city of Jazan and was deliberately launched to target civilian and populated areas,” Col. Al-Maliki said.
He added, “Saudi Royal Air Defense were successful in intercepting and destroying the missile, which did not result in any injuries.”
The spokesperson added that this hostile action by the Houthi militia proves the Iranian regime’s continued involvement in supporting the terrorists in clear and explicit defiance of UN resolution 2216 and resolution 2231.
He noted the Houthi attacks are aimed at threatening the Kingdom’s security, as well as regional and international security and the firing of ballistic missiles at populated towns and villages is contrary to international humanitarian law.
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards Jazan
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards Jazan
Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam
Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.
I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.
“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.
It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.
“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”
Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.
I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.
The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.
Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.
The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.
The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.
Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.
Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.
My freezer is now packed with loaves.
At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.
Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.
Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.
• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.
