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Saudi Arabia is now fully understanding the consequences of the recent withdrawal of US air-defense systems from its territory. Saudi airports in the southern regions became the favorite targets of the Yemeni Houthis (Ansar Allah).
The Yemeni group stepped up its attacks on Saudi Arabia and hits the Kingdom on a regular basis.
The most recent attack targeted the southern areas of Saudi Arabia late on October 8th for the third day in a row. (Link, Link).
This time the target was the King Abdullah Airport in the Saudi city of Jizan, near the border with Yemen.
At least 10 civilian passengers and airport workers were reportedly injured, including six Saudis, three Bangladeshi nationals and one Sudanese.
According to a Saudi-led coalition spokesman, the first projectile was fired from a drone, and it shattered the airport’s facade windows and causing injuries.
It was latter added that another explosives-laden drone was intercepted in early hours on October 9.
No group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack. However, Houthi forces are the main suspect, as they are fighting the Saudi-led coalition both in Yemen and are often targeting its forces in cross-border attacks.
The Houthi drones successfully reach their targets in Saudi Arabia, following the U.S. decision to withdraw its air-defense systems from the Kingdom.
In September, the US withdrew a THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] missile defense system and several Patriot batteries from Saudi Arabia.
Following the U.S. abandonment, Saudi Arabia was even eyeing the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” long-range air-defense system as a possible replacement, according to the London-based al-Arab news agency.
While US air-defense systems were leaving Saudi Arabia, the number of U.S.-made drones over Yemen has significantly increased, especially of those shot down by the Houthis.
Meanwhile, clashes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led forces continue on the southern and western fronts of Marib province.
In recent days, Ansar Allah has reportedly take control over al-Rawdha, Sa’id and al-Qaher areas in the south of al-Jubah district.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
- Another Missile, Drone Attack Targets Saudi Arabia’s Southern Region
- In Video: Houthis Shot Down US-Made Drone Near Border With Saudi Arabia
- Saudi-Led Coalition Says It Destroyed Houthi Drone Launch Site After Attack On Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport
- Riyadh Left Out In The Wind As Houthi Drones And Missiles Rain
