12 Jun 2019 | 02:42 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Missile attack wounds 26 at Abha Airport (AHB) June 12 /update 3
Houthi-claimed missile attack wounds 26 people at Abha International Airport (AHB) June 12; similar Houthi-fired missile attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia expected over the coming weeks
Event
A Houthi-claimed missile attack wounded 26 people at the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport (AHB) on Wednesday, June 12. Material damage was also reported. Saudi authorities have reported that air traffic is normal at AHB following the attack.
Similar Houthi missile attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia are to be expected over the coming weeks.
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 and flying via 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.
