The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:29 PM

Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted Missile Fired Over Riyadh By Yemeni Rebels

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Shiite rebels announced it intercepted a missile fired over southern Riyadh Tuesday, while the Yemeni rebels said they targeted the royal palace in the kingdom’s capital.

Saudi state TV broadcasted the announcement by the coalition as residents of the kingdom posted videos on social media showing a small cloud of smoke in the sky. The Washington Post reported witnesses hearing “a loud boom” at the time.

The report said no damage was caused by the intercepted missile.

This is the second missile attack fired by the Houthis to target Saudi’s capital since Nov. 4. Last month’s attack targeted Riyadh’s airport but was also intercepted.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the spokesman for the Shiite rebels also known as Houthis, said they fired a ballistic missile targeting the Yamama Palace. The palace is where the Saudi monarch, King Salman, received visiting foreign dignitaries and top Saudi officials.

Residents of Riyadh posted videos on social media showing a small cloud of smoke in the sky after hearing a loud explosion over their homes and while driving.