Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim another attack on Abha Airport June 29 /update 13

Event

A military spokesman for Houthi militants in Yemen claimed a second attack targeting Saudi airports on Saturday, June 29. According to the spokesman, Abha International Airport (AHB) was attacked by the group, forcing the suspension of air traffic at the airport. However, Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the incident or any flight disruptions. The attack on AHB comes hours after the Houthis also claimed to have carried out drone attacks on hangars and military positions at Saudi Arabia's Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ).

Flight disruptions (e.g. delays and cancelations) are possible at GIZ and AHB over the coming hours. Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and facilities are possible over the coming days.

Context

Houthi rebels have claimed several missile attacks targeting Saudi facilities and infrastructure since late May 2019. The group has targeted airports in Abha, Jizan, and Najran. A Houthi-claimed missile attack wounded 26 people at the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport (AHB) on June 12. Material damage was also reported.

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 substantial damages or casualties.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Confirm flight reservations before departing for GIZ and AHB. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.