Reports claim that seven ballistic missiles launched from territories inside from Yemen were intercepted by Saudi Arabian air defense forces over the capital of Riyadh late Sunday night, according to state television.
Several loud explosions were heard by local witnesses, according to multiple reports. Social media users are sharing footage of what is believed to be missile interceptions.
The Saudi-led coalition said that seven missiles launched from Yemen toward Saudi territory have been intercepted, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported.
According to the media outlet, debris from the missiles has reportedly killed one person.
Footage of missile interception over Riyadh pic.twitter.com/pesZKH3PTV (via @ENAD_Alotaibi)
— Gregor Peter (@L0gg0l) March 25, 2018
Alhumdillah The saudi army has successfully intercepted a ballistic missile in the riyadh #saudiarmy #riyadh #riyadhnow #الرياض_الان
— Adnan (@adii_khaan) March 25, 2018
I hope everyone is safe and fine many prayers to the brave and strong army ❤️ 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦 #الرياض pic.twitter.com/n1ThqBpO1r
There were also unconfirmed reports of one of the Saudi Patriot missiles malfunctioning, veering off course and crashing into the ground. There is an alleged footage of the accident circulating in social media.
#BREAKING — First footage of #Saudi Arabian patriot missile failure and hitting capital city of Riyadh after failed attempt at intercepting a #Yemeni ballistic missile. pic.twitter.com/w7UBSvmZTb https://t.co/6gWdjPrubT
— SURA (@AlSuraEnglish) March 25, 2018
This is not the first time the Saudi military has reported a missile interception over their territory. In January, a Royal Saudi Air Force spokesman reported that a ballistic missile was suspected to have been fired by Houthi militants in Yemen before being intercepted and destroyed in the air.