15 Jun 2019 | 10:26 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim drone attacks on Jizan and Abha airports June 15 /update 5
Houthis claim they have carried out drone attacks on Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) and Abha International Airport (AHB) June 15; Saudis claim interception of missile targeting Abha
Event
Houthi rebels claimed they carried out drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) and Abha International Airport (AHB) on Saturday, June 15, suspending flight operations at the airports. Saudi media claimed that Saudi forces had intercepted a missile targeting Abha.
Houthi rebels are likely to claim additional attacks on Saudi infrastructure over the coming days and weeks.
Context
On June 12, Houthi forces claimed responsibility for a missile attack on AHB that wounded 26 civilians. The Houthis also claimed multiple attacks targeting the King Khalid Air Base, near Khamis Mushait, and Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) on June 9-10. In May 2019, the group also said that it had hit military targets at airports in Najran and Jizan.
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 the affected areas and flying via GIZ and AHB are advised to monitor developments, contact their airline for more information, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.
