05 Jul 2019 | 01:58 AM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim attacks on Jizan and Abha airports July 4 /update 15
Houthi militants claim two drone attacks on airports in Jizan and Abha on July 4; Saudi officials claim the drones targeting Jizan were intercepted
Event
Houthi militants in Yemen claimed another round of drone attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia on the night (local time) of Thursday, July 4. The official media arm of the group claimed that Abha International Airport (AHB) and Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) were bombed by drones. Saudi officials issued a contradictory statement, saying that the aircraft were intercepted at GIZ and did not comment on any incident at AHB. No casualties were immediately reported.
Flight disruptions (e.g. delays and cancelations) are possible at AHB and GIZ over the coming hours. Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and 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. A Houthi-claimed missile attack wounded 26 people at the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport (AHB) on June 12. Material damage was also reported.
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 substantial damages or casualties.
Advice
Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Confirm flight reservations before departing for AHB and GIZ. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.
