The Saudi-led Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen has foiled an attempted attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Saudi Arabia’s southern city of Abha, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Coalition spokesman Col. Turki Al-Maliki said that at 1:45 p.m., the air defense unit assigned to Abha International Airport detected an unidentified flying object heading toward the airport. “The unit dealt with the threat and destroyed it according to the rules of engagement,” he said.

Al-Maliki clarified that inspections carried out by specialists in the coalition’s joint forces revealed that the wreckage belonged to the Houthi militias’ unmanned aerial vehicle with specifications of Iranian UAV “Ababil.” It was trying to attack the civilian airport, which is protected under international humanitarian law, he said. 

Al-Maliki said there was minimal damage caused by the UAV’s destruction. He said the joint forces command of the coalition targeted the unit responsible. 

He said the coalition will strike with an iron fist all those who are involved in terrorist activities that threaten the safety and security of Saudi nationals, residents, economy and key installations.

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