Saudi-led coalition destroys bomb-laden Houthi drone from Yemen

By Muhammed Semiz

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AA) – The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said Friday that it destroyed a bomb-laden unmanned aerial vehicle sent by Houthi rebels to Saudi Arabia.

A coalition statement cited by the official Saudi news agency SPA said that Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen sent the drone to the southern region of Saudi Arabia.

It did not mention where the drone was downed, though.

The statement also accused Houthis of continuing to target civilians and said that the coalition forces have taken the necessary measures to protect the people.

On Monday, the coalition said it had foiled a booby-trapped boat attack by Houthi rebels south of the Red Sea.

In Yemen, where political instability has prevailed for a long while, Houthis backed by Iranians have been in control of the capital Sanaa and some regions since September 2014.

Saudi-led coalition forces have been supporting the legitimate Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.

Houthis frequently target southern regions of Saudi Arabia.

*Writing by Beyza Binnur Donmez in Ankara