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The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said yesterday that its forces intercepted and destroyed 11 drones and a ballistic missile in several regions of Saudi Arabia. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki announced the interceptions on the social media platform X, covering attacks targeting Riyadh, Medina, Najran and the country's eastern and southern regions.

Maliki released no information on where the drones were launched from or whether the attacks caused casualties or damage. Separately, the Yemen Rights and Freedoms Network reported that 212 civilians were killed in Taiz over 52 days of Houthi attacks.

Water shortages and displacement

The report said about 280,000 people had been displaced and roughly 2 million people face a shortage of drinking water. It recorded 26 Houthi control and search points, with the entry of food, medicine, fuel and water blocked and education, electricity and communication services disrupted. The recruitment of children, the laying of mines and the looting of property were also listed among the documented violations.

The Yemen Rights and Freedoms Network called for Taiz to be declared a disaster area, for the siege to be lifted and for civilians to be protected.

Key takeaways

• The Saudi-led coalition said 11 drones and a ballistic missile were intercepted in several regions yesterday.
• Maliki reported no information on casualties or damage, or on where the drones were launched from.
• Civil Defense alerts were issued in Abha and Khamis Mushait before the danger was declared over.
• A Yemen Rights and Freedoms Network report recorded 212 civilians killed in Taiz in 52 days.