Saudi-led Coalition Responds to Houthi Attack on Aden with Drone and Missile Claims

Following the missile impact at Aden International Airport, the Saudi‑backed coalition issued a statement asserting that its air defenses had successfully neutralized several hostile UAVs and missiles.

Spokesperson Turki al‑Maliki said coalition aircraft shot down three drones flying over southern Saudi Arabia and the capital Riyadh, and also destroyed another drone heading toward the eastern province. In addition, Saudi forces reported intercepting two cruise missiles over the Red Sea and a ballistic missile launched toward the Yemeni port of Yanbu before it could reach its target.

The coalition’s narrative emphasizes its defensive posture amid a surge of Houthi attacks that have hit Aden’s airport repeatedly over the past two weeks. Official figures released by the coalition note that attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have resulted in 17 deaths and more than 330 injuries since the start of October.

These developments occur as Iran’s foreign ministry expressed willingness to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, while denying any Iranian involvement in Houthi operations.

The ongoing hostilities underscore the fragile security situation in southern Yemen, where the airport serves as a vital hub for humanitarian aid and commercial traffic.