Saudi Arabia: Air defenses intercept Houthi missile in Jizan province Sep. 19 /update 17

Event

Saudi military officials announced on Wednesday, September 18, that a ballistic missile was intercepted by missile defense systems in Jizan province. According to Saudi military sources, the missile was fired at the city of Jizan. Houthi militants are suspected of firing the missile from Yemen. No associated casualties or damages were reported.

Context

Saudi sources estimate that Houthi militias have fired over 195 missiles at Saudi Arabia since 2015, when Saudi Arabia began backing the Yemeni government against Houthi separatists in the Yemeni Civil War. Southern Saudi Arabia is a frequent target of Houthi missile attacks, and Riyadh has also seen several missile attacks in the last several months; however, they rarely result in many damages or casualties. Nevertheless, on September 5, shrapnel from an intercepted missile injured at least 37 people in Najran.

Advice

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