Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile over Riyadh after it was launched from conflict-torn Yemen, with debris landing inside the capital's international airport. <br/><br/>Officials said the missile attack claimed by Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels was the first aimed at the heart of the Saudi capital, underscoring the growing threat posed by the raging conflict in Yemen. <br/><br/>Residents in Riyadh reported a loud explosion near the King Khalid International Airport just north of the city after the missile was shot down yesterday, but authorities reported no major damage or loss of life.<br/><br/>Huthi rebels, who fired the missile from Yemeni territory more than 1,200 kilometres from Riyadh, said they were targeting the airport.

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile over Riyadh after it was launched from conflict-torn Yemen, with debris landing inside the capital's international airport. <br/><br/>Officials said the missile attack claimed by Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels was the first aimed at the heart of the Saudi capital, underscoring the growing threat posed by the raging conflict in Yemen. <br/><br/>Residents in Riyadh reported a loud explosion near the King Khalid International Airport just north of the city after the missile was shot down yesterday, but authorities reported no major damage or loss of life.<br/><br/>Huthi rebels, who fired the missile from Yemeni territory more than 1,200 kilometres from Riyadh, said they were targeting the airport.