Saudi-led coalition hits Yemen Huthi drone site: spokesperson

After the Iran-aligned militants warn they could launch attacks against the capitals of Saudi and UAE


Afp May 02, 2019
Men inspect a damaged petrol station after it was hit by a previous alleged Saudi-led coalition airstrike on the outskirts the Yemeni capital Sanaa on May 21, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

RIYADH: The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen raided a drone facility used by Huthis at an airbase in the capital Sanaa, a spokesperson said.

The coalition has ramped up attacks on such sites after the Iran-aligned militants warned last month they could launch attacks against the capitals of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which lead the military coalition against them.

The latest raid late on Wednesday targeted "drone maintenance sites, a communications system and locations of drone experts and operators" at the Al-Dulaimi base adjoining the airport in militant-held Sanaa, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki as saying.

Saudi minister discusses ‘regional security’ with COAS

The Huthi-controlled Saba news agency said 13 air strikes targeted the base and airport.

The coalition last month said it targeted a cave in Sanaa used by Huthis to stockpile drones.

The raid came after the coalition reported last month that Saudi air defences had intercepted two drones launched by Huthis that targeted Khamis Mushait, home to a major airbase in the southwest of the kingdom.

And in January the Huthis launched a drone attack on Yemen's largest airbase, Al-Anad, north of the southern port of Aden, during a military parade.

Eleven people were wounded in the attack, including Yemen's deputy chief of staff Major General Saleh al-Zandani who later died of his injuries.

Saudi Arabia assists Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea, no injuries

Seven other loyalists - including a high-ranking intelligence official - were killed in the attack.

Yemen is mired in a grinding conflict between the Iran-aligned Huthis and a government backed up by a Saudi-led coalition.

The Saudi-led coalition launched its first raids on Huthi strongholds in March 2015 in a bid to bolster President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who now lives in Riyadh.

Since then the conflict has killed some 10,000 people, according to the World Health Organisation, although human rights groups say the toll could be five times higher.

The unrest has also pushed the country to the brink of famine.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ