Middle East

Saudi TV says missile or drone intercepted over Riyadh

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Saturday it intercepted an apparent missile or drone attack over its capital, Riyadh, amid the kingdom’s yearslong war against neighboring Yemen’s Huthi rebels.

Social media users posted video of what appeared to be an explosion in the air over Riyadh. Saudi state TV quoted authorities in the kingdom acknowledging the interception.

The Huthis did not immediately acknowledge launching a missile or a drone toward Riyadh.

The Huthis have held Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since September 2014. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched a war against them in March 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

The war has been mired in a stalemate for years. Riyadh has been targeted in sporadic missile attacks in that time, while the Huthis also have launched missile and drone strikes.

Western experts, Saudi Arabia and the US say Iran has supplied arms, including ballistic missiles to the Huthis. Iran denies that, though devices in the weapons link back to Tehran.

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