Saudi-led coalition shoots down Houthi drones from Yemen

It is the latest in near-daily drone and terror boat attacks aimed at the kingdom

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Brig Gen Turki Al Malki. Reuters

The Saudi-led military coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement intercepted and destroyed a drone, state media reported on Sunday.

It is the latest in near-daily attacks by the north Yemen rebels on neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which backs the internationally recognised government.

The drone was launched towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, state media said.

The city has been repeatedly targeted, leading to international condemnation that the rebels are targeting civilians in the kingdom, having injured several in recent attacks and damaged civilian property.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a Twitter post that two drones were fired at Jazan airport in the south of the kingdom and towards a military airbase in Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Houthis after the movement ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa.

The UN and the US have stepped up diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire deal, which Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Saudi-backed government have welcomed.

The Houthis are pushing for the full lifting of the sea and air blockade on areas the group controls.

Houthi forces have also launched a ground offensive in Yemen's gas-rich Marib region, the government's last stronghold in the north.