Saudi Air force shoots down 5 Houthi missiles

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabian Air Defences earlier yesterday shot down five ballistic missiles launched at Jazan by Yemen’s Houthi militia.

Arab Coalition, in a statement, had said the “hostile attempts” targeted civilians and civilian objects.

“We are taking the necessary measures to neutralize specific capabilities under international humanitarian law,” the statement carried by Saudi Press Agency said.

Bahrain statement voiced its strong backing to all efforts Saudi Arabia takes to preserve the security, stability and safety of its citizens and residents.

Bahrain’s ministry of foreign affairs also commended the efficiency and vigilance of the Saudi Air Defences in intercepting and destroying the missiles. Bahrain further called on the international community to condemn these “heinous and continuous attacks” against Saudi Arabia.

The Iran-backed Houthis are continuously attempting to target regions of Saudi Arabia using explosive-laden drones, missiles and booby-trapped boats.

The Houthis have also targeted civilian areas and energy facilities in the Kingdom. Most recently, on Tuesday, the Arab Coalition said an explosives-laden drone that attempted to attack Abha International Airport was intercepted and destroyed. Abha is in the south western part of the Kingdom.

Ground air defences also downed another drone that attempted to attack the southern city of Najran.

Bolstering defence

Meanwhile, reports said Saudi Arabia is seeking the help of US in bolstering its defences.

A senior US government official said on condition of anonymity that the defence of Saudi Arabia is a vital US commitment and “something that the Saudis are specifically looking for”.

UN officials are also in talks regarding a proposal to handover the management of Yemeni ports to the United Nations, which would ensure revenues are used for wages in Yemen.