Col. Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Arab coalition. (File photo: AFP)
The Arab Coalition intercepted and destroyed three booby-trapped drones that belong to the Iran-backed Houth militia and were launched towards Saudi Arabia, the coalition’s spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki said on Friday.
The drones were launched from the Yemeni city of Hodeidah, according to the coalition.
The Houthi militia continues to violate the Stockholm Agreement – a deal signed by the government and the Houthi militia in 2018 which calls for the withdrawal of troops – and use Hodeidah as a launching point for its terrorist operations and attacks, al-Maliki said, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The attacks pose a real threat to regional and international security and undermines the political efforts put forth by the Stockholm Agreement, he added.
Taking action
The coalition is taking the appropriate measures to deal with the Houthi’s threats in accordance with international humanitarian law, while continuing to support the political efforts made by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths, al-Maliki said.
The failed attack is the latest attempt by the Houthis to target the Kingdom and innocent civilians in the country.
Iran backs the Houthis in Yemen’s civil war against the internationally-recognized government. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) supplies the Houthis with missiles, drones, and training, allowing the group to target airports and other critical infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision and said the move was in line with the Yemeni government’s efforts to “put an end to the violations of the Iran-backed militia and the real dangers it poses, which has led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation of the Yemeni people, and the ongoing threats to the international peace and security.”
