Saudi-led coalition forces announced on Thursday they had intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi rebels, targeting the Saudi cities of Taif and the strategically important port of Yanbu. Major General Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the coalition, stated that Saudi air defenses destroyed the projectiles aimed at the two cities.

The coalition's claim comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Yemen. The Houthis have previously launched missile and drone attacks towards Saudi Arabia, often targeting civilian infrastructure and cities. The coalition, which intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government, has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Houthi movement.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Houthis for the Thursday missile launches. However, a Greek security source confirmed to Reuters that an air defense system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone in the wider Yanbu region, which is a significant hub for oil refining facilities. The source stated that the Greek Patriot system engaged both projectiles.

The interception of missiles near Yanbu is particularly significant due to the port's critical role in Saudi crude oil shipments, especially if shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. The proximity of these attacks to vital economic infrastructure underscores the ongoing threat posed by the conflict.

Earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defence had issued alerts warning of potential danger in several regions, including the holy city of Mecca, the northwestern area of Tabuk, and the Red Sea areas of Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as Taif. The alerts were later rescinded, with authorities stating the threat had passed and the cities were out of danger.

Last week, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, a claim the Houthi group vehemently denied. Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi dismissed the Saudi accusation as a "heinous lie." The alert for Mecca was notable as it was the first time in nearly a decade that a security alert had been activated for the city, which is home to Islam's holiest site.

The Houthis have intensified their attacks on the kingdom following a declared naval blockade in July, which they framed as a response to broader regional conflicts. The group has also recently seized control of Yemen's western coast, bringing them to the shores of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb waterway on the Red Sea, further escalating regional security concerns.

Forces aligned with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government reported repelling Houthi attacks in Taiz on Thursday, indicating that fighting remains intense across multiple fronts within Yemen. The ongoing hostilities and cross-border attacks highlight the persistent instability and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.