Missile debris falls in Mecca, Medina after Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi strikes

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said on Saturday it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions. Debris fell in several locations, including Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, Some shrapnel also landed in Wadi Mughamas, outside Mecca.People and pilgrims walk at the Grand Mosque Complex in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca. (AFP)"Civil defence in the Mecca and Medina regions began to respond to the falling debris from the interception of two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia," it said in a post on X.Further details on possible damage or casualties have not been confirmed.Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airportsYemen’s Houthi group said it launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports on Saturday, including a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group also targeted an airport in Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait.Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the reported attacks.Also Read: Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports; Air India suspends flights to Riyadh, DammamSaudi Arabia issues emergency alertsEarlier on Saturday, Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency warnings over potential aerial threats in Mecca Province and the governorates of Jeddah, Taif and Yanbu.The agency later announced that the potential danger had passed in the affected areas.In posts on X, Civil Defence urged residents to follow safety instructions, avoid gatherings and refrain from filming incidents. It also advised people to call 911 in an emergency.The alerts came amid reports of missile interceptions and claims of attacks by the Houthis against Saudi targets.Also Read: Epstein files become new weapon in Houthis’ campaign against Saudi Arabia: ReportFlights cancelledAir India and Air India Express on Saturday extended the cancellation of their flights connecting Riyadh and Dammam till November 7. "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 7 November 2026, while services to and from Jeddah will remain suspended until 31 October 2026," Air India said in a post on X.IndiGo and Akasa Air have also cancelled their services to Saudi Arabian cities.