Three killed in Saudi Arabia following Houthi missile attack

Three people have been killed in southern Saudi Arabia, after a suspected Houthi missile fired from Yemen hit the town of Jizan late Saturday, Riyadh has said.

Saudi-led anti-Houthi coalition Spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki said a "projectile" was "launched deliberately to target civilians" on Saturday, according to Saudi Press Agency, which initially reported two casualties.

He warned that the Saudi-led coalition - which is waging an air war in Yemen - will retaliate in time.

"The Joint Forces Command of the coalition will strike with an iron fist all those who threaten the safety and security of Saudi nationals, residents and critical capabilities" he said.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have ramped up missile attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks and months.

On Tuesday, Riyadh's air defence systems intercepted a Houthi missile fired from Yemen at the Saudi city of Yanbu, north of Mecca and Jeddah.

Other missiles have been intercepted by air defences this month.

The Houthis launched their most audacious ballistic attack yet when the Yemeni rebels fired a series of missiles at the Saudi capital in March. Other attacks on Riyadh have taken place since, the most recent being in May.

Saudi and UAE-backed Yemeni government forces have surrounded the key port of Hodieda in recent weeks, putting pressure on the Houthi defenders.

The UN and aid agencies have pleaded with the Saudi-led force against an attack on Hodeida, warning that it could lead to mass civilian casualties and starvation.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab joined the Yemen war in March 2015, to help support the Yemeni government which had fled the capital Sanaa in 2014.

At least 10,000 people have been killed, the vast majority civilians from Saudi-led coalition air raids.

Agencies contributed to this story.