Saudi Arabia: Four police killed in attack in Asir April 19

Event

On Thursday, April 19, unidentified gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in the southern area of Asir province, near the Yemeni border. Four police officers were reportedly killed in the attack;four more were injured in subsequent clashes, which led the death of one attacker and the arrest of two more. According to a police spokesperson, all individuals involved were Saudi nationals. Details regarding the possible motive of the attack have not yet been made available.

Context

Saudi security forces have come under increasing pressure due to the growing threat of both terrorism and cross-border attacks by Houthi militants. Saudi Arabia is engaged in the Yemeni civil war, supporting the government against a rebellion by Houthi separatists ongoing since 2015. Attacks in Saudi Arabia carried out by the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula against security forces and Shi'a Muslims have also become increasingly frequent.

Advice

Individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised to remain vigilant and to report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.