Saudi Arabia: Missiles fired from Yemen March 25-26; one dead in Riyadh

Event

Saudi air defense forces shot down seven missiles fired from Houthi rebels in Yemen overnight March 25-26. Three of the missiles were destroyed over Riyadh, with falling debris resulting in one person killed - the first death in the capital due to the war in Yemen - and two wounded. The remaining missiles were fired at the southern cities of Najran, Jizan, and Khamis Mushait.

Context

Saudi Arabia is engaged in the Yemeni civil war, supporting the government against a rebellion by Houthi separatists ongoing since 2015. Southern Saudi Arabia is a frequent target of Houthi attacks, and Riyadh has seen three missile attacks in the last five months. This March 25-26 attack coincides with the third anniversary of the start of the war in Yemen, which was marked by massive demonstrations in Sana’a on Monday, March 26.

Advice

Some foreign governments advise their nationals to avoid the Yemeni border area due to the risk of further attacks.