Riyadh 0
28 February 2021

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and half a dozen “bomb-laden UAVs” bound for Jizan and Khamis Mushait. A Huthi military spokesperson, citing Saudi Arabia’s “ongoing escalating aggression and siege”, reported the launching of “a Zolfaghar ballistic missile and fifteen drones”. He further warned that “our retaliatory attacks are continuing” and urged Saudi civilians “to stay away from all military sites and airports or that may be used for military purposes”. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken deplored the strikes and urged “the Huthis to end these egregious attacks and engage constructively with” the UN and U.S. special envoys. He further asserted that “the U.S. remains committed to its longstanding partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups”.

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