Saudi confirms first death amid Houthi conflict, intercepts drone in Taif

The agency added that a female citizen and Pakistani national were injured due to the fallen fragments of the drone, both in critical condition.

Saudi Arabia's civil defence has confirmed the first death amid the escalating conflict with the Yemeni militant group, the Houthis. In a statement on Thursday, the Saudi agency said the fallen shrapnel from a drone interception has resulted in the death of the Yemeni national.

A spokesperson for the civil defence agency said the interception of the drone and its fallen fragments resulted in the death of a resident of Yemeni nationality. The agency added that a female citizen and Pakistani national were injured due to the fallen fragments of the drone, both in critical condition.

“Material damage to a number of buildings, and vehicles was also caused due to the interception,” the agency added.

The Houthis have not claimed any attacks on Saudi cities on Thursday, but have announced military operations in southern Saudi areas.

This incident comes a day after Riyadh accused the Houthis of launching a "cowardly" attack targeting Islam's holy city of Mecca, a claim the group has denied.