Saudi Arabia: Missile fired from Yemen intercepted in Jizan April 20

Event

On Friday morning (local time), April 20, Saudi air defenses in Jizan province (southwest) intercepted a missile fired by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. According to Saudi military officials, the missile was targeting the city of Jizan. No causalities or damage have been reported.

Context

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in the Yemeni civil war, backing the Yemeni government against Houthi separatists, since 2015. The country, notably the south, is a frequent target of Houthi attacks; over 100 ballistic missiles have been fired by Houthi rebels into Saudi Arabia since 2015. Notably, on March 25-26, Saudi air defense forces shot down seven missiles, including three over the capital Riyadh (located in the center of the country), which resulted in the death of one person due to falling debris.

Advice

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