RIYADH — The official spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Col. Turki Al-Maliki said on Thursday that it shot down an explosive-laden drone heading towards the Kingdom, according to a statement from Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) had been launched from Hodeidah governorate of Yemen, the Coalition said. Cross-border attacks by Houthi forces have escalated since late May when a truce prompted by the coronavirus pandemic expired.

Col. Turki Al-Maliki said, “Joint Coalition Forces intercepted and shot down a bomb-laden Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) launched toward the Kingdom this morning.

“The terrorist Houthi militia continues to breach the (Stockholm) Agreement and the Hodeidah ceasefire, and use Hodeidah governorate as a ballistic missile and bomb-laden UAV and USV launch site, which represents a credible threat for regional and international security, and undermines the political efforts for a successful implementation of the (Stockholm) Agreement.

“The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition continues to implement and undertake appropriate procedures to confront these hostile, terrorist acts; in accordance with the customary International Humanitarian Law, and support the political efforts of the special envoy of the secretary-general for Yemen to end the coup, and reach a comprehensive political solution.”

The UN Yemen envoy has been holding virtual talks between the warring parties to try to agree a permanent ceasefire and confidence-building steps to restart peace negotiations last held in December 2018. — SPA