The key facts

  • The coalition's air defenses intercepted and destroyed a second drone over Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province
  • Earlier, another drone was shot down over the same region
  • No data on casualties, injuries, or material damage was provided

Second drone shot down over the Eastern Province

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government said on Sunday that its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed a second drone heading toward the country's east. The interception was announced by coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki in a statement on the X platform. According to him, the drone was directed at the kingdom's Eastern Province.

What is known and what is not yet known

Al-Malki confirmed the fact of the drone's interception and destruction, but provided no information about possible casualties, injuries, or material damage. Earlier, the coalition spokesman said that another drone had been shot down over the same region. The interceptions come amid an escalation of hostilities between the coalition and Yemen's Houthis, who, according to the coalition, continue to use ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia.

Context of the conflict

Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since September 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and a number of provinces. In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition intervened in the conflict on the side of the internationally recognized government. Clashes between government forces and the Houthis have intensified recently.