TRIPwire, 31 August 2021

On 31 August 2021, Saudi-led Arab coalition forces intercepted an explosive-laden unmanned aircraft system (UAS) launched by Houthis rebels to attack Abha International Airport in the southwestern part of the country. According to the Saudi-led coalition, the explosives-laden UAS was intercepted, which scattered shrapnel over the airport, injuring eight people and damaging a civilian airplane. The coalition did not elaborate on the attack or provide details about the casualties. The attack followed a similar incident at the airport 24 hours earlier, in which authorities intercepted another UAS, which scattered shrapnel around the airport but caused no reported injuries or damage. The Houthis did not claim responsibility for the attack, but the Iran-aligned group regularly fires drones and missiles into Saudi Arabia.