Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The joint forces of the Arab coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen on Thursday morning intercepted and shot down a drone launched by the terrorist Iranian-backed Houthi militia from Yemen's Sa'ada governorate towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), quoted the Coalition Spokesman Colonel Turki Al Maliki as saying that "all attempts by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia to launch drones are doomed to fail."

He explained that the Coalition follows rules of engagement to prevent civilian casualties when responding to such threats, adding that the "repeated attempts reflect the despair of the terrorist militia."

Al Maliki added that by resorting to misleading media reporting of its false successes, further confirms the magnitude of losses the militia is suffering and the popular discontent its facing.

He concluded by stressing that the joint forces command of the coalition continues to implement deterrent measures against the terrorist militia to "neutralise and destroy these capabilities strictly and in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The joint forces of the Arab coalition also announced that the Iranian-backed Houthi militias on Wednesday evening launched a projectile towards Abha International Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The SPA, quoted Colonel Turki as saying that the attack took place at 23:35 on Wednesday at the busy airport in which thousands of civilian passengers pass through daily.

He pointed out that the incident is being investigated by authorities and that there were no reported injuries so far.

Al Maliki added that the Houthi terrorist militia continues its immoral practices by targeting civilians and civilian sites protected under international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

The Houthi militia claimed full responsibility for the attack through its media, reporting the use of a cruise missile.

Al Maliki said this act constitutes a war crime and is a clear admission of a deliberate targeting of civilians.

He went on to say that the continuation of such acts of terrorism and high-quality capabilities proves the Iranian regime's involvement in supporting the Houthi terrorist militias and the continued violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 and Resolution 2231.

He stressed that in the face of these acts of terrorism and immoral violations by the Houthis, the coalition forces will continue to carry out strict measures to deter the militias in an effort to protect civilians.

Also on Wednesday the joint forces of the Arab coalition intercepted and shot down a drone launched by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from Sana'a towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reported SPA.

Al Maliki, said that the repeated failed attacks are a desperate measure to raise the morale of "terrorist elements" in the face of "human losses in military operations."

He added that all drone operations attempted by the terrorist Houthi militias are doomed to fail and that the coalition follows rules of engagement to prevent civilian casualties when responding to any threats.

Al Maliki concluded by affirming that the coalition will continue to implement deterrent measures against the militias in an effort to neutralise and destroy their capabilities in strict adherence with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

WAM