Saudi Arabia intercepts drones from Yemen rebels

1200px-Royal_Saudi_Air_Defense_Forces_Logo2.svg
Royal Saudi Air Defence

Saudi Air Defence on Friday intercepted and shot down five drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-linked rebels targeting the kingdom amid heightened tensions in the region, a military official said.

Col. Turki al-Malki, a spokesman for a Saudi-led alliance fighting the Yemeni rebels, said the drones were fired by the Houthi rebels in the direction of Abha airport and the province of Khamis Mushait in south-western Saudi Arabia.

“We confirm our legal right to take and carry out the proper deterrence measures in handling these hostile acts,” al-Malki added.

Pro-Houthi television al-Masirah reported that the rebels had mounted a series of drone attacks against Abha airport near the Yemeni border and put it out of operation.

The reported attacks are the latest in a string of drone and missile assaults by the Houthis into Saudi territory.

Related News

On Wednesday, the alliance said that 26 people were injured when the Houthis attacked Abha airport and vowed a “firm” response.

The violence comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, a regional rival of Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. has blamed Iran for attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, though Tehran has denied involvement.

The Saudi-led alliance has been fighting the Houthis in Yemen since March 2015.

The Saudis fear that the Houthis will give Iran a strategic foothold in the Arabian Peninsula.

Load more