World

12 injured as drone destroyed at Saudi airport: officials

"We will take firm operational action to respond to the threat to civilian airports and travellers," says govt officials

By AFP
February 10, 2022
File photo, taken during a guided tour with the Saudi military on June 13, 2019, shows a worker inspecting the damage at Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, one day after a rebel missile attack. —  Fayez Nureldine, AFP
File photo, taken during a guided tour with the Saudi military on June 13, 2019, shows a worker inspecting the damage at Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, one day after a rebel missile attack. —  Fayez Nureldine, AFP

RIYADH: Twelve people were injured by falling debris after the Saudi military blew up a drone targeting an airport close to the Yemen border, officials said on Thursday.

Fragments fell on the airport after the attack on Abha International Airport, which has previously been targeted in similar attacks by Yemen's Huthi rebels.

"Saudi defence forces destroyed a drone launched towards Abha International Airport," the official Saudi Press Agency said in a tweet.

"We will take firm operational action to respond to the threat to civilian airports and travellers," it added.

The Huthis were not blamed for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Iran-backed insurgents.

The rebels, fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, have frequently launched drone attacks at Saudi targets including airports and oil installations.