The Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen announced on Wednesday that the Saudi air defense system intercepted two drones sent by the Houthi militias from Yemeni territories, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al-Malki said that the drones were downed in the southern cities of Abha and Jazan.
In a statement, he explained that the air defense system detected at 07:40 am an unidentified body flying towards Abha International Airport. It quickly destroyed it due to the rules of engagement.
Air navigation was closed soon after in accordance with the global aviation laws. It was resumed shortly after.
Malki announced that specialists from the Arab coalition examined the fragments of the body and found that it was a Houthi drone with Iranian features and specifications. He accused them of trying to target the airport in violation of International Humanitarian Law.
In Jazan, he said that an unidentified body was flown towards a civilian area in the city. It was monitored and later destroyed by the air defense. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Immediate tests conducted by specialists revealed that the body of the drone was identical to the one downed in Abha.
The Arab coalition warned in the strongest terms the Iran-backed Houthis against targeting civilian areas and people, saying that a retaliation is justified.
The command will take all deterrent actions in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and rules, Malki said.
Arms monitor Conflict Armament Research said it has evidence that the drones used on Wednesday and other Houthi kit were made in Iran and was not of indigenous design and construction “in contrast to Houthi statements”.
