Saudi Arabia intercepts missile targeting Mecca from Yemen

RIYADH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Air Defense Force intercepted a missile on Thursday launched by Houthi militias that was headed towards Muslim holy city of Mecca, Sabq local news reported.

The ballistic missile launched by the militias was intercepted by air defense forces using a surface-to-air Patriot missile, dropping its fragments in an uninhabited area. Meanwhile, a coalition aircraft managed to destroy the launch pad.

In October 2016, Saudi-led coalition announced that the forces intercepted a missile that launched towards Mecca from Yemen.

The missile was destroyed 65 km away from the holiest city for Muslims, while no damages were reported.

Houthis have been targeting Saudi-border cities since the beginning of the war in Yemen.