Riyadh, Mar 20, 2022, SPA -- Statement by the Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki “The terrorist, Iran backed Houthi militia has escalated its hostile, cross-border attacks towards the Kingdom last night and earlier this morning, targeting civilian objects and economic installations in a deliberate, systematic manner. The Royal Saudi Air Defense Force and Royal Saudi Air Force have intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Jazan City, in addition to (9) bomb-laden Drones launched towards Jazan, Khamis Mushait, Taif, Yanbu and Dhahran Al Janub. These hostile attacks by the terrorist Houthi militia is deliberately targeting civilian objects and economic installations, that are protected under the customary International Humanitarian Law, using ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones. Initial investigations indicate that the militia has used (Iranian) cruise missiles that targeted Al Shuqaiq Water Desalination Plant and Aramco’s Jizan Bulk Plant. The targeted locations also include the power transmission station in Dhahran Al Janub, the National Gas and Industrialization Company’s Khamis Mushait Gas Station and Aramco’s Liquified Gas Plant in Yanbu. These hostile attacks and scattered debris as a result of their interception caused some material damages to the facilities, civilian vehicles and civilian houses, and no loss of life was recorded until the issuance of the statement. These brutal attacks are a dangerous escalation. They also represent the terrorist Houthi militia’s position in regards to the invitation extended by H.E. the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council in order to host inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, and underline the militia’s approach of rejection towards all international efforts and initiatives, including the Saudi Initiative, and reaching a comprehensive and sustainable political resolution to end the Yemeni crisis. — SPA 09:04 LOCAL TIME 06:04 GMT 0004 www.spa.gov.sa/w1709562