Yemen: Houthis attack Saudi military near border, naval ship June 28

Event

Houthi rebels ambushed Saudi military vehicles stationed at the southern border with Yemen, in the Saudi province of Jizan, on Wednesday, June 28. Two military vehicles were targeted by anti-tank missiles. The number of casualties is still unknown.

Furthermore, Houthi rebels announced on Wednesday on social media that they had successfully carried out an attack against a Saudi-led coalition warship off the Yemeni coast, close to the Mokha port. Saudi authorities have not confirmed this claim.

Context

Houthi rebels have carried out a number of attacks on Saudi navy patrols and other ships over the past six months, including on June 14 when a UAE ship was attacked off the Yemeni coast.

In northern Yemen, cross-border incidents with Saudi Arabia have increased in frequency in the last few months, especially in Jizan, Najran, and Asir. Missiles have been launched by Houthi rebels against Saudi forces and sniper attacks have targeted Saudi soldiers on a near-daily basis.

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into a civil war with the coalition-backed government in 2015. Rebels have regularly reported bombings on their positions in the capital Sana'a. Clashes have also occurred elsewhere, especially around Taiz.

Advice

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the country.