Saudi-led coalition destroys drone heading to Abha Airport

This is the fourth attack in as many days by the Iran-aligned Houthis on targets in the kingdom

The wreckage of a drone used in an attack on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia's southern Asir province on February 10, 2021. AFP

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting in Yemen intercepted a drone launched by Houthis rebels towards Abha International Airport, state media reported on Saturday.

The attack by an explosives-laden drone was the fourth such incident involving the Iran-backed Houthis in southern Saudi Arabia in as many days.

The coalition reported intercepting Houthi drones on Friday and Thursday, while an attack on Wednesday using several drones resulted in a civilian aircraft catching fire at Abha airport, in Asir province.

Scheduled flights at the airport were delayed because of Wednesday's attack, according to flight-tracking websites.

The coalition called the attack a war crime and said that it will “hold Houthis accountable in accordance with international law".

In 2019, Houthis fired cruise missiles at the airport several times between June 19 and 29, killing one person and wounding at least 47.

The Houthis hold northern Yemen, from where they have launched hundreds of missiles and drones towards Saudi cities.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government.