RIYADH: Gulf countries have denounced another Houthi attempt to attack Khamis Mushayt in Saudi Arabia’s southern region using an explosive-laden drone.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed the drone, launched by the Iran-supported militants from Yemen, the Arab coalition said early Saturday.
Bahrain’s interior ministry has strongly condemned the failed Houthi attack, adding that “this terrorist act constitutes a blatant attack on the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a serious threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents,” state news agency SPA reported.
The UAE also urged the international community “to take an immediate and decisive stance to stop such repeated acts, emphasizing that such continuation of recent attacks constitutes a dangerous escalation and a new proof of this militia's endeavor to demise security and stability in the region.”
“The continuation of such terrorist attacks reflects blatant defiance of the international community and disparaging of all international laws and norms,” SPA reported, quoting the UAE statement.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, affirmed the organization’s support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its lands, security and stability.
Adel Abdulrahman Al-Asoumi, chairman of the Arab Parliament, has also called on the international community to take an urgent action against the militia.
HIGHLIGHT
Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies entered the war in Yemen in 2015 against the Houthis, who drove the internationally recognized government into exile in 2014.
The Houthis have stepped up their attacks against Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian and vital facilities, amid mounting international and Arab condemnation.
On Friday, the coalition intercepted a drone targeting the southern region of the Kingdom.
Civil defense officials also said on Wednesday that several missiles fired by the militia from inside Yemen hit the Kingdom.
Lt. Col. Mohannad bin Jasser Zailai, deputy media spokesman for the Civil Defense Directorate in Jazan region, said authorities attended the site to find five missiles near a main road of one of the border villages in Jazan.
The spokesman said there were no casualties reported.
The Houthis have also repeatedly struck Abha airport in recent years.
