Italy condemns Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh

The Patriot missile system is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. (Courtesy Lockheed Martin)

Italy has condemned on Wednesday the launch of a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen, which was intercepted by the Saudi Royal Air Defense Force.
“This terrorist act constitutes a threat to regional peace and stability and undermines the prospects for a negotiated and comprehensive solution to the crisis,” Italian Foreign Minister, Angelino Alvano, said in a statement.
Houthi militias fired a ballistic missile toward Riyadh on Tuesday, targeting Al-Yamamah Royal Palace in the Saudi capital. Royal Saudi Air Defense forces intercepted the missile and shot it down, and there was no damage.
The attempted attack comes just weeks after the militia group in Yemen launched a missile at Riyadh on Nov. 4, targeting King Khalid International Airport.
A UN Security Council-appointed panel confirmed the missile was manufactured in Iran, along with three other missiles fired from Yemen toward the Kingdom this year.