11 Oct 2018 | 03:56 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Air defenses intercept Houthi missile in Najran province Oct. 10 /update 18
Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi missile in Najran province on October 10; no casualties reported
Event
Saudi military officials announced on Wednesday, October 10, that a ballistic missile was intercepted by missile defense systems in Najran province. According to Saudi military sources, the missile was fired at the city of Najran. Houthi militants are suspected of firing the missile from Yemen's Sa'ada province. No associated casualties or damages were reported.
Context
Saudi sources estimate that Houthi militias have fired over 204 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 wounded 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.