RIYADH — The Arab Coalition’s spokesman said on Thursday that the Saudi Air Defense intercepted a drone carrying explosives that was launched by Houthis in an attempt to target Najran airport.

"The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted at 1: 45 on Thursday afternoon a drone laden with explosives targeting the Najran regional airport, which is used by thousands of civilians including Saudis and expatriates of various nationalities daily," the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting Col. Turki Al-Malki said.

Al-Maliki said that Houthis deliberately targeted dignitaries, civilians and civil facilities systematically. He warned in the strongest terms the Iran-backed militia that its continuation of attacks against the civilians and civilian facilities "will be met with a strong and deterrent response."

He also warned that the Joint Forces Command would take all deterrent measures in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

This was the third Houthi strike or attempt to strike Najran in a week, according to Saudi and Houthi reports. — SG/SPA