Saudi Arabia says it intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles headed south

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said on Monday that its air defense systems intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi group toward the country's southern region in the evening. The ministry said in a written statement that the launches were directed at the southern area. The attack followed remarks by a Houthi spokesperson who said strikes on Sanaa Airport had ended what he described as a phase of restraint aimed at preventing escalation, warning of retaliation. Houthi-run Al Masirah television had earlier claimed that Saudi Arabia carried out a series of airstrikes on the airport and that those strikes ended the de-escalation phase. Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused Iran of violating its airspace and backing the Houthis. Yemen's Defense Minister said the military would respond with all available means to any Iranian warplanes entering Yemeni airspace. No further details on casualties or damage were immediately available.