Houtis Fire Ballistic Missile at Riyadh Palace, Intercepted Says Saudi

Saudi Arabia has intercepted a missile fired by Houti rebels from Yemen at Riyadh palace.

Houti rebels on Tuesday, said that they launched a ballistic missile targeting al-Yamama royal palace in Riyadh, Mohamemd Abdul Salam, a Houthi spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera Tuesday.

It was the third ballistic missile attack by the Houthis since beginning of November.

On November 4, a missile was launched towards an area near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, prompting Saudi to accuse Iran - who it blamed for the launch - of committing an "act of war".

Another missile likely targeted the city of Khamis before it was intercepted on December 1.

"The Saudis started the war. Our response will continue and increase, whether it's targeting deep inside Saudi Arabia, targeting military positions where Saudi jets fly from, or military bases inside Yemeni territory," Abdul Salam said in a interview with Al Jazeera in November.

Dozens of smaller missiles have been fired from Yemen into Saudi Arabia throughout more than two years of war in Yemen, while Saudi Arabia, supported by the United States and other countries, has launched thousands of air attacks against Houthi targets.

Accusing Iran of helping to arm the Houthis during the conflict, the Saudi-led coalition has closed air, land and sea routes.