Yemeni ballistic missile fired at Saudi royal palace in Riyadh

19 Dec, 2017

RIYADH - The Saudi-led coalition has reportedly shot down a ballistic missile targeting a meeting of royal leaders at the al-Yamama palace in Riyadh. Houthi rebels in Yemen launched the attack, reports Reuters, citing local media.

There were no immediate reports of injuries and there has been no official statement from the Saudi government. State TV reported no damage to buildings or infrastructure. A Houthi rebel spokesman on Twitter confirmed the missile launch Tuesday.

A plume of smoke was seen rising above the capital and eyewitnesses reported a loud boom that shook windows.  

According to Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdussalam, the rebels allegedly fired a Volcano H-2 ballistic missile towards the al-Yamama royal palace.

Yemen's former President Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed by the Houthi rebels earlier this month after allegedly switching sides to stand against his former allies. Since then, the Saudi-led coalition has intensified its aerial bombardment of Yemen, with the UN Human Rights office confirming the verified killing of at least 136 Yemeni civilians and non-combatants between December 6 and 16.