SANAA, Oct 7 — The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen’s Houthis said yesterday that it intercepted a missile fired by the group at the kingdom, which backs the pro-government forces that have launched a major operation to recapture lost territory.

The Iran-backed Houthis had earlier claimed an attack on the Saudi capital’s main airport and yesterday denied being pushed back by government forces.

Late Monday, Yemen’s military said it had removed the pro-Iran group from areas around the Bab al-Mandab strait, a Red Sea chokepoint, and the port city of Mocha.

Claims by both sides in Yemen have been impossible to independently verify, with the situation on the ground moving fast and access for journalists difficult.