Saudi Ministry of Defense: Ballistic missile intercepted en route to Riyadh
Missile attack targeting Riyadh thwarted
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced in an urgent official statement that the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted a hostile attack targeting the capital, Riyadh. The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki al-Maliki, stated that two ballistic missiles were detected being launched towards Riyadh in a deliberate and systematic manner aimed at civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians.
Details of intercepting the missile attack
Major General Al-Maliki explained that Saudi air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed one of the two missiles over the capital, while the other ballistic missile landed in an uninhabited desert area, thus preventing any casualties or material damage, thanks be to God. This success reflects the utmost readiness and constant vigilance of the Saudi Armed Forces in protecting the nation's resources and territorial integrity.
General context and historical background of the attacks
This incident comes amid a series of hostile acts perpetrated by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia, which uses Yemeni territory as a launchpad for ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones targeting Saudi Arabia. Since the start of the Yemeni crisis and the intervention of the Saudi-led coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen, the Houthi militias have consistently violated international laws and norms by targeting densely populated cities and vital economic infrastructure in a desperate attempt to destabilize regional security and stability.
Efficiency of the Saudi air defense system
The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces have repeatedly demonstrated their superior ability to neutralize aerial and missile threats. The Kingdom relies on a sophisticated network of radars and advanced missile interception systems, which have achieved unprecedented success rates globally in intercepting ballistic missiles under real combat conditions. This technological advancement and the high level of training of Saudi military personnel ensure a robust security umbrella protecting both citizens and residents.
Regional and international influence and official positions
Regionally and internationally, these Houthi attacks have been widely condemned. The United Nations, the Security Council, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and allied and friendly nations have consistently and unequivocally rejected these acts of terrorism. These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and its customary rules, as targeting civilians is classified as a war crime punishable under international law.
Protecting national security and global stability
Furthermore, the continued flow of smuggled weapons to the Houthi militias poses a direct threat not only to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also to regional security and maritime navigation in the region, negatively impacting the stability of the global economy and energy supplies. The Kingdom consistently affirms its legitimate right to take all necessary and appropriate measures to address these threats, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, to ensure the protection of its national security and the stability of the entire region.
