Saudi coalition destroys explosive-laden drone and bomb boat launched by Houthis

Shrapnel from the destroyed drone fell across the airport but did not cause any injuries

File Photo: An image grab taken from a video shows a Houthi drone exploding above Yemen's Al Anad air base on January 10, 2019. AFP

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen intercepted and destroyed a bomb-laden drone at Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport and a remotely controlled boat loaded with explosives in the south of the Red Sea both launched by Houthi militias.

The coalition said shrapnel from the drone launched by the Iran-backed rebels fell on the airport but did not cause any casualties, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Coalition spokesman Col Turki Al Malki said the drone was deliberately fired at the thousands of international passengers using the airport in south-west Saudi Arabia, near the border with Yemen.

Col Al Malki said the explosive-laden boat posed a threat to regional and international security, shipping routes and global trade, SPA reported.

“The joint forces command of the Coalition will continue to undertake rigorous measures to deter this terrorist militia and confront these terrorist acts and unethical abuses,” Col Al Malki said.

“These measures will be carried out in protection of civilians and civilian property.

"All terrorist elements responsible for plotting, planning and executing this terrorist attack will be held to account."