Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missile Fired By Rebels Into Holy Mecca. Photos

Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missile Fired By Rebels Into Holy Mecca. Photos

Saudi Arabia has allegedly intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen towards Islam's holiest city of Mecca. According to the Saudi-led coalition, Houthi rebels launched a Scud missile from Saada province towards Mecca on Thursday.

The Saudi air defense system was able to intercept and destroy the missile 65 kilometers (40 miles) from the target site. Saudi authorities said the missile caused no damage.

Major General Ahmed Asiri, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, accused Iran and Hezbollah of supporting the rebels and training them to use technology which enables them to launch such attacks. Asiri also announced retaliatory strikes against the Houthis.

The Houthis confirmed the launch of a Scud-type ballistic missile known as Burkan-1 into Saudi Arabia via Saba news agency, but said the projectile was targeting the kingdom’s busiest airport in Jeddah – not Islam’s holiest city, which lies just over 60 kilometers (37 miles) away.