Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim unconfirmed attack on Abha Airport June 12 /update 2

Event

Houthi fighters in Yemen claimed that its forces launch a missile at Abha Airport (AHB) in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer province on Wednesday, June 12. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported the strike early on Wednesday; however, Saudi officials did not immediately confirm the attack. No damages have been reported at the airport.

Context

The Houthis also claimed attacks multiple attacks targeting the King Khalid Air Base, near Khamis Mushait, and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) in Jizan 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 area are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.