The Saudi-led coalition engaged in combat against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen reported that it successfully intercepted a missile aimed at the holy city of Medina. The coalition’s statement confirmed the destruction of a cruise missile over Medina province but notably refrained from attributing responsibility for the attempted strike.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, denied any involvement in the missile attack. The rebel group has previously committed to refraining from targeting airports in the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina. This recent missile incident underscores the ongoing hostilities between the Saudi coalition and the Houthis, which escalated last month following the rebels’ seizure of strategic areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Saudi coalition has been actively supporting forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government in a bid to reclaim territories lost to the Houthis. The conflict has seen a significant uptick in violence, particularly around key maritime routes crucial for oil transport.

Houthi Attacks in Aden Result in Casualties

On the same day, Houthi forces reportedly launched missiles and drones targeting a site used by Yemen’s recognised government in the port city of Aden. An official stated that at least two individuals were killed in the strikes, while another six sustained injuries. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that many leaders of the Yemeni government reside in exile, but those present in Aden were reportedly safe.

The Houthis quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, which has raised concerns about the ongoing instability in the region. The situation in Aden remains precarious as violence continues to disrupt daily life and governance.

The United Nations Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, labelling the strikes on civilian targets as “reckless.” The council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to self-defence under international law.

Defamation Suit Filed Against Israeli Prime Minister

In a separate development, a former head of Israel’s domestic security service has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ronen Bar alleges that Netanyahu falsely accused him of failing to provide warnings about potential threats from Hamas prior to the attacks.

Bar is seeking 3 million shekels in damages, asserting that Netanyahu’s claims of “failures and crimes” are unfounded. The accusations arose following a deadly assault by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals, prompting a significant military response from Israel.

Bar described the prime minister’s statements as “blood libel” and detailed his efforts to keep Netanyahu and military advisers informed in the lead-up to the attack. He also noted that his agency had provided multiple warnings in the months preceding the incident, which he claims were ignored by the government.

Continued Violence in Gaza and Syria

Amidst these developments, an Israeli airstrike north of Gaza City reportedly killed one individual, according to officials at Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a “terrorist” but did not provide further details. This incident follows a ceasefire agreement reached over a year ago, during which Israel has continued to conduct military operations in the region.

Since the ceasefire in October last year, more than 1,500 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli military actions, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. These figures are generally regarded as reliable by various international agencies.

In Syria, a court has sentenced two individuals to death and imposed prison terms on three others for their involvement in last year’s sectarian violence in the coastal region. The violence, which erupted in March 2025, resulted in numerous civilian casualties, primarily among the Alawite community.

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