Saudi Arabia: Saudi-led coalition claims downing of Houthi drone launched toward Khamis Mushait August 25 /update 3

Event

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have downed a Houthi drone launched toward Khamis Mushait on Sunday, August 25. A spokesman for the Houthi rebels claimed that the group had launched drones targeting the control towers of King Khalid Air Base and Abha International Airport (AHB), disrupting flight operations; the Houthi claim was not immediately substantiated.

Similar Houthi attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and facilities are possible over the coming weeks.

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.

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

Individuals in Khamis Mushait and Abha are advised to monitor developments, confirm flight reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile or drone attack.