Saudi Arabia: Houthi missile strikes in Jizan province June 9 /update 1

Event

Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile across the border into Saudi Arabia’s southern Jizan province on the night (local time) of Saturday, June 9. According to Saudi officials, two civilians were killed in the strike. Further cross border attacks are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

Saudi air defenses intercepted multiple missiles fired by Houthi fighters in Jizan and Najran provinces in late May.

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in the Yemeni Civil War, backing the Yemeni government against Houthi separatists, since 2015. Southern Saudi Arabia is a frequent target of Houthi attacks, and Riyadh has seen several missile attacks in the last six months. Notably, Houthi militants launched a missile attack on Riyadh on March 25, coinciding with the third anniversary of the start of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen; one person was killed in the strike.

Advice

In the event of a missile attack, individuals in the affected areas are advised to seek shelter, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.