Saudi Arabia shoots down ballistic missile fired by Houthi terrorists

Houthis chew qat as they rally in Sanaa on Aug. 17, 2018, in support of their colleagues in the front line. Houthis have been firing missile after missile toward populated areas in Saudi Arabia in a desperate terror campaign amid an offensive by a Saudi-led coalition in support of Yemen's legitimate government. (Reuters photo)
Updated 18 August 2018
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Saudi Arabia shoots down ballistic missile fired by Houthi terrorists

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi militia toward the southern city of Najran.

The attack is the latest in a series of missile launches targeting densely populated residential areas of Saudi Arabia, including Jazan and Najran, close to the border with Yemen.

Saudi-led Arab coalition’s spokesman, Col. Turki Al-Maliki, said that Saudi aerial defense forces intercepted a missile launched by the Iran-backed militia.

Al-Maliki said that the missile targeted Najran and was aimed at civilian populated areas, but the defense forces were able to intercept and destroy the projectile without any casualties.

The spokesperson added that “this hostile action by the Houthi militia proves the Iranian regime’s continued involvement in supporting the rebels with qualitative capabilities in clear and explicit defiance of UN resolution 2216 and 2231 aimed at safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security and any regional and international threats.”


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.