On Saturday, Arab coalition forces in Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and six explosive drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels towards Riyadh.
Video of the incident appears to show a missile – probably a Patriot missile interceptor – smashing into a Houthi missile, probably a Burkan-3, which is a similar design to the Russian Scud missile.
The latest PAC-3 variant of the Patriot missile can travel up to four times the speed of sound, which is about 5,000 kilometres per hour.
While it has not yet been confirmed that this was the variant used, the interception unleashed a massive amount of energy and white-hot glowing debris is visible in the sky.
"Joint Coalition Forces have intercepted and destroyed yesterday evening [Saturday] and this morning [Sunday] a ballistic missile and six 'booby-trapped' drones launched systematically and deliberately by the terrorist Houthi militia to target civilians and civilian objects in the southern region, Jazan and Khamis Mushait," said Coalition spokesman Col Turki Al Malki.
The ballistic missile, or at least a part of it, fell onto a house in Riyadh, causing some damage. One photo from the scene appeared to show part of the engine.
"The Joint Forces will continue to implement all necessary operational procedures to safeguard civilians and civilian objects in accordance with the customary International Humanitarian Law," concluded Col Al Malki.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
