20 Jun 2019 | 07:05 AM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim missile attack in Jizan province June 19 /update 8
Houthi militants in Yemen claim a missile hit a power station in al-Shuqaiq (Jizan province) on June 19; no immediate confirmation from Saudi officials
Event
Houthi militants in Yemen released a statement on Wednesday, June 19, claiming another cross-border missile attack in Saudi Arabia. The group claims that it fired a cruise missile into Jizan province, hitting a power station in the city of al-Shuqaiq. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the strike; however, US officials said that they were aware of the reported attack.
Also on Wednesday, Saudi officials claimed they intercepted a Houthi drone launched from the city of Hudaydah preventing it from penetrating Saudi airspace. Houthi rebels denied the information via their media channel. Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi 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.
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 are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.
