RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted missiles targeting the kingdom, but falling debris injured four people in Riyadh and caused minor damage to 15 homes, according to Saudi authorities.
The country’s Civil Defence agency said two Houthi missiles were intercepted over the capital. Debris from the destroyed projectiles fell on residential areas, injuring two women, a man and a child. Several homes also sustained minor damage.
In a separate incident, a building belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Dhahran was struck, triggering a limited fire, a Saudi Energy Ministry official said.
The official confirmed that no casualties or fatalities were reported in the incident. Saudi authorities also said a ballistic missile launched towards Dhahran from Yemen had been intercepted before reaching its intended target.
The incidents highlight the security risks facing Saudi Arabia amid continuing regional tensions. Officials have yet to release a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the attacks.
Meanwhile, Iran is adopting new methods to target vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz as it seeks to maintain pressure on global oil markets and influence US midterm elections, two senior Iranian officials told Reuters.
Tehran has sought to assert greater control over the strategic waterway since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28.
The strait is a critical route for international energy supplies, carrying around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the conflict.
Iranian restrictions and threats against shipping have sharply reduced maritime traffic through the passage, contributing to rising oil prices. Despite the disruption, some vessels carrying oil have continued to transit the waterway.