09 Jun 2019 | 03:15 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthi rebels claim drones targeted JIZ airport on June 9
Houthi rebels claim its drones targeted Jazan's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) June 9; no confirmation from Saudi officials
Event
According to a statement by Houthi-run Al-Masirah news agency on Sunday, June 9, Houthi rebels staged a drone attack on military bunkers at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) in Jazan. There were no immediate reports of damages; the Saudi government has not confirmed the claims.
Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Jazan are possible over the coming weeks.
Context
Tensions have increased between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in recent weeks. Most recently, Houthi militants claimed explosive drone attacks targeting King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) on May 26, Saudi forces in Najran on May 22, and an explosives-laden drone attack on May 21, which the rebels assert destroyed an arms depot at EAM; Saudi officials issued a contradictory statement saying that the May 21 attack targeted a civilian site.
Reports estimate that Houthi militants have fired over 200 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.
Advice
Individuals in Jazan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.
