Arab Coalition destroys four Houthi drones in Yemeni airspace

The Arab Coalition on Wednesday intercepted and destroyed four explosive-laden drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi militias, coalition spokesman Brig Gen Turki Al Malki said.

He said the “hostile escalation by the Houthi militia attempts to target civilians” and that coalition forces will take measures to protect civilians from such attacks.

The attack came a day after eight people were injured when Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed two weaponised Houthi drones targeting Abha International Airport, and a ballistic missile targeting the city of Najran on Tuesday.

“A second attempt to target travelling civilians and staff at Abha International Airport by the terrorist, Iran-backed Houthi militia using a bomb-laden drone was thwarted,” Brig Gen Al Malki said.

Shrapnel from the drones caused injuries and damage to a civilian aircraft but flights resumed later that evening.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the attack and said Saudi Arabia has endured more than 240 attacks from the Houthis since the beginning of the year and that these also endanger 70,000 American citizens living in the kingdom.

“We again call on the Houthis to uphold a ceasefire and engage in negotiations under UN auspices. This costly, stalemated offensive is exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The Houthi attacks are perpetuating the conflict, prolonging the suffering of the Yemeni people, and jeopardising peace efforts at a critical moment,” he said.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia have launched attacks against airports, military installations and critical oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia since 2015.