PM Barzani ‘strongly’ condemns drone attack on Saudi Arabian airport

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani late Thursday strongly condemned an attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport by explosive-laden drones.

The statement came hours after Saudi aerial defense systems shot down the incoming drones. Reuters reported that the explosions flew off and wounded 12 people, including two Saudi nationals.

“I’m concerned by the recent increase in drone attacks, especially on civilian infrastructure,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a tweet. “My thoughts are with the people and government of Saudi Arabia.”

I strongly condemn today’s attack on Abha airport. I’m concerned by the recent increase in drone attacks, especially on civilian infrastructure. My thoughts are with the people and government of Saudi Arabia -mb.

— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) February 10, 2022

The airport is located in the south of the oil-rich kingdom, close to its borders with Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels since 2015.

A Houthi spokesperson following the attack said that they had hit a military target with a Qasef 2 drone inside Abha airport, Reuters reported.

Jake Sulivan, the US national security advisor, called it a “terrorist” attack, reiterating Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia.

Despite Saudi defense systems’ interception of frequent missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom, such assaults occasionally lead to civilian casualties.