Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile fired toward Medina

Summary

On Thursday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthis said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the group toward the Medina region, according to coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al-Malki. The announcement came shortly after Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency issued an alert for the Yanbu Governorate near the Red Sea in Medina province, warning of potential danger around the strategic port of Yanbu. Middle East Eye reported that it was unclear whether the two events were connected. The Houthis rejected any suggestion they were targeting Medina, one of Islam's holiest cities, calling such accusations false, and said their operations target only Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   5 Nov 2026, 10:44 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that the Saudi-led coalition said on Thursday it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis toward the Medina region, after Saudi civil defence had issued an alert for the Yanbu Governorate.

2. France 24

   5 Nov 2026, 11:07 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that a ballistic missile fired at the Saudi city of Medina was intercepted on Thursday, according to a coalition spokesman, and that the announcement came shortly after civil defence warned of potential danger around the port of Yanbu.

3. Middle East Eye

   5 Nov 2026, 16:36 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that the coalition said on Thursday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis at the Medina region, minutes after civil defence warned of danger near Yanbu, and that the Houthis said their operations target only oil facilities and military bases.

4. Hindustan Times

   5 Nov 2026, 16:45 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that the Saudi coalition said it intercepted a ballistic missile near Medina after a warning was issued for Yanbu, while the Houthis called claims that they targeted the holy city false.

5. Al Jazeera

   5 Nov 2026, 20:48 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that the Saudi coalition intercepted a missile fired toward Medina, and that the interception came after the Saudi civil defence agency warned of potential danger near the strategic port of Yanbu.