A missile attack by the Iran-backed Houthis (Ansarallah) on an airport in south-western Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday (June 12th), drawing promises of "stern action" from the Arab coalition fighting the Houthis, AFP reported.
The missile strike hit the civil airport in the mountain resort of Abha, which is a popular summer getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.
Eight of the wounded were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said.
The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.
The missile caused some damage to the airport's arrivals lounge and flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal.
Al-Malki said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children.
He said the strike on the airport amounted to a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime", adding that the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the Houthis and protect civilians.
The Houthis confirmed they had launched a missile at Abha airport.
Al-Malki said the missile hit "proves this terrorist militia's acquisition of new advanced weapons and the continuation of the Iranian regime's support and waging of cross-border terrorism".
On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two Houthi drones headed for Khamis Mushait.
Last month, the Saudi air force shot down another drone that targeted Jizan airport, on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said.
