Houthis attack Abha airport: Saudi coalition

Riyadh - Houthi drones continue to target civilians in Saudi Arabia.

By Reuters

Published: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 4:05 PM

Last updated: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 5:50 PM

The Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen said the Iran-aligned Houthi group launched an attack on Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia that caused a fire in a civilian aircraft, state media reported Wednesday.

Houthis regularly launch drones and missiles into Saudi, many of which Saudi says it intercepts. Some have previously hit Abha International Airport which is around 120 km (75 miles) from the Yemeni border.

"The attempt to target Abha airport is a war crime and put civilian travellers' lives in danger," the coalition statement said, adding the aircraft was on the ground at the time and that the fire was brought under control.

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The Houthi group said it carried out the drone attack on Abha airport.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that four Houthi drones were used in an attack.

Earlier on Wednesday, the coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed two armed drones launched by the Houthis towards civilians in Saudi Arabia.

The coalition on Sunday and Monday also said it had intercepted Houthi drones fired towards Saudi.

The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing government forces fighting the Houthis. U.N. officials are trying to revive peace talks to end the war.

Houthi rebels had attacked the airport in 2020 as well - using an explosive drone, which was intercepted by Arab Coalition forces.

The UAE has condemned the attack and reiterated its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against all threats to civilians, affirming its support for all measures taken by Saudi authorities to preserve the safety and security of its citizens and residents.