Saudi Arabia: Houthi drones wound five people in Khamis Mushait April 2

Event

Houthi militants in Yemen reportedly fired at least two drones into the city of Khamis Mushait (Asir province) at approximately 21:35 (local time) on Tuesday, April 2. The drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems; however, debris from the destroyed drones wounded at least five people. Similar attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia are possible in the near term.

Context

Reports estimate that Houthi militants have fired over 200 missiles at Saudi Arabia since 2015, when Saudi Arabia began to back the Yemeni government against Houthi separatists in the Yemeni Civil War.

Southern Saudi Arabia is a frequent target of Houthi missile attacks, with Riyadh also having seen several missile attacks in the last months. Although these attacks rarely result in extensive damage or casualties, on September 5, 2018, 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.