Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim attacks on Khamis Mushait, Jizan Airport (GIZ) July 16 /update 18

Event

A Houthi military spokesperson claimed on Tuesday, July 16, that Houthi militants had carried out attacks on King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and drone hangars at Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ). Saudi-led coalition officials, for their part, claimed that their forces had intercepted two drones over Yemeni airspace that were bound for Jizan.

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. 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 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.