Saudi coalition intercepts Houthi missile after blasts in Riyadh

RIYADH, Oct. 23 (Xinhua/UNB) -- The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced early Friday that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi group toward the Saudi capital Riyadh, according to a statement posted on X by the coalition's spokesperson.

Loud explosions were heard in Riyadh early Friday, while residents received alerts on their mobile phones.

The coalition also announced the interception and destruction of two drones launched by the group toward the kingdom's southern region, without providing further details.