Saudi authorities confirmed that Yemen’s Houthi rebels attempted to target Riyadh with a ballistic missile, marking the first reported attack on the Saudi capital since the latest escalation of fighting between the Iran-aligned group and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia said the missile was intercepted early Saturday by its air defenses. Residents in Riyadh reported hearing an explosion, while smoke was later seen near the city’s airport. Authorities reported no casualties or damage from the intercepted missile.

The Saudi-led coalition also said it had thwarted attempted attacks against civilian infrastructure in Yanbu, a Red Sea port where a key Saudi oil pipeline ends, as well as in Taif, Baysh and Farasan. The Houthis claimed they had targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu, but those claims could not be independently verified.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had used ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. The Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out attacks against Sanaa, the Yemeni capital controlled by the group.

The latest escalation adds pressure to a conflict that has already affected regional security, energy infrastructure and shipping routes around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Fighting has also intensified inside Yemen, while the broader regional conflict involving Iran continues to increase tensions across the Middle East.