Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim control over 20 military positions in Najran province June 5

Event

On Wednesday, June 5, Houthi militants claimed to have captured 20 military positions in Najran province. A Houthi spokesman declared that more than 200 military personnel affiliated with the Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen were killed or wounded during the assault. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attack as of Thursday, June 6.

Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Najran are possible over the coming days.

Context

Tensions have increased between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in recent days. Most recently, Houthi militants claimed a drone attack on Najran Regional Airport (EAM) on May 23, an explosive drone attack targeting 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. In the May 21 attack, Saudi officials issued a contradictory statement saying it targeted a civilian site.

Reports estimate that Houthi militants have fired over 200 missiles into 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 Najran are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.