Saudi navy destroys Houthi explosive boats

The remote-controlled boats were targeting the strategic port city of Jizan

A Saudi border guard watches off the coast of the Red Sea on Saudi Arabia's border with Yemen, near Jizan. Reuters

Saudi naval forces destroyed two Houthi explosive boats on Sunday, which were targeting the strategic port city of Jizan.

Colonel Turki Al Malki, spokesman for the Arab Coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, said the Saudi navy detected, intercepted and destroyed two remote-controlled boats filled with explosives, before they could reach the port.

“The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will strike with an iron fist all those who get involved with acts of terrorism, which threaten the safety of Saudi nationals, residents, economy and critical capabilities,” Col Al Malki said.

“Those hostile acts will not go by without holding the ones executing, plotting and planning them accountable for their actions.”

Since 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has been supporting the government of Yemen in its civil war against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Houthis have made numerous attempts to target Jizan province with missile fire, according to Saudi authorities, who report that the country's defence systems frequently intercept and destroy the projectiles before they can inflict damage.

Jizan is a provincial capital in the south-west corner of Saudi Arabia, north of the country’s border with Yemen. The city is home to major infrastructure, including a Saudi Aramco 400,000 barrel per day refinery and a terminal facility which is under construction.

_______________

Read more:

Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile fired at Jizan

Saudi says it destroyed missile Houthis fired at Jizan province

Saudi Arabia reports cholera infection in southern province

_______________