Missile Targeting Saudi Airport Was Iranian, Says US Official

A ballistic missile that was intercepted near the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Saturday, Nov. 4, came from Iran, it was reported.

A top U.S. Air Force commander said that “Iranian markings” were discovered on the missile, according to The Associated Press. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian made the comments at a news conference in Dubai.

U.S. authorities are investigating how the missile was smuggled into Yemen despite a Saudi-led coalition controlling the country’s airspace.

The type of missile used in the attack was not described by the official, AP reported.

“What we have seen, clearly from the results of the ballistic missile attacks, that there have been Iranian markings on those missiles, that’s been demonstrated,” Harrigian said, Reuters reported. “To me that connects the dots to Iran in terms of who’s providing those missiles and that capability.”

Early this month, Saudi air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen over the capital Riyadh, state news agencies reported. The missile was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the city and did not cause casualties, the reports said, Reuters said. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has accused Lebanon and its Shiite Hezbollah movement of declaring war on it. Riyadh has advised Saudi citizens not to travel to Lebanon, or if already there to leave as soon as possible.

“With respect to Lebanon, I think the goal will be to try to find diplomatic solutions,” Harrigian said.

Reuters contributed to this report.