Saudi Missile Intercept Claimed as Yemen Forces Prepare Major Offensive

A Saudi-led military coalition has claimed that it intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward the Saudi city of Khamis Mushait.

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said Saudi air defence systems managed to intercept the missile before it reached its intended target.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s government-backed forces are reportedly preparing a major military operation to retake Al-Waziyah district in the Taiz region, which is controlled by the Houthis. Yemen’s government forces provided the information on Tuesday (October 6).

According to the government-backed forces, the planned operation is part of a broader military strategy rather than an effort focused solely on Al-Waziyah. The wider objective is to create momentum for reclaiming Houthi-controlled areas, including parts of the capital, Sanaa.

Yemen’s government forces have also claimed that they shot down a “ghost drone” launched by the Houthis in the Marib region. Missile and drone activity by both sides has continued amid the ongoing conflict.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government has stressed the need to strengthen military operations. The prime minister has linked the security of maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait directly to Yemen’s wider stability and called for stronger support for government forces.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, however, claimed that his forces had stopped a group of government-backed troops advancing toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Saree also claimed that the Houthis had launched 10 ballistic missiles targeting government forces, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure. These claims could not be independently verified in detail.

With government-backed forces preparing to retake Houthi-held territory while the Houthis continue to report missile and drone operations, concerns are growing that fighting could intensify in several parts of Yemen.

Source: Al Jazeera