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The Saudi-led coalition reported the interception of a Houthi ballistic missile targeting the southern region of Saudi Arabia on July 13, 2026. According to coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, air defense systems destroyed the projectile, resulting in no casualties or material damage. The statement identified the launch as originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Al-Maliki stressed the need for continued vigilance against such cross-border attacks.
Al-Maliki said the missile launch represented a violation of the ceasefire and international humanitarian law. The spokesman indicated the coalition would respond appropriately to safeguard its territory and interests. He accused the Houthis of disregarding multiple peace initiatives and of escalating their military campaigns. The statement linked these campaigns to attacks on Red Sea shipping and Yemeni economic targets.
The coalition spokesman affirmed support for the Yemeni people and for a political process to end the conflict. He noted that Houthi actions hinder humanitarian aid delivery and prolong the crisis in Yemen. This stance has been consistent in previous coalition communications regarding Houthi activities.
Recent months have seen several comparable incidents. The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported intercepting six ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in March 2026, Al Arabiya English said. In April that year, seven missiles heading for the Eastern region were intercepted, although debris from the event sparked a fire in Jubail Industrial City, according to Middle East Eye.
The Houthi-Saudi Arabian conflict has involved repeated missile launches since 2015. A 2024 report by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point assessed that Houthi air and missile units remained operational despite coalition strikes, with the group downing some coalition drones while launching its own attacks. The report placed the number of Houthi drone losses at eight to 12 from coalition strikes by early 2024 and documented how the group shifted focus to asymmetric warfare including missile strikes on shipping.
Ministry of Defense data from prior interceptions in 2026 showed that all reported ballistic missiles in those incidents were successfully destroyed before impact. The April event in the Eastern region caused a localized fire despite the interception, the ministry said. The pattern of launches has persisted despite intermittent truce agreements between the parties.
