17 Sep 2019 | 03:31 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Tensions remain high following September 14 attack on oil fields in Eastern province /update 3
Tensions remain high in Saud Arabia following Houthi-claimed drone attacks on oil facilities in Buqayq and the Khurais oil field on September 14; exercise caution
Event
Tensions remain high in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Gulf region as of Tuesday, September 17, following Houthi-claimed drone attacks that caused fires at major facilities in Buqayq (Eastern province) and at the Khurais oil field on Saturday, September 14. On Monday, September 16, Saudi officials claimed the weapons used in the attacks were made in Iran, while Iranian authorities denied the information. Satellite imagery released by the US indicates the attacks originated north of Saudi Arabia.
A heightened security presence is anticipated in the affected areas in the coming days and weeks. Further attacks against Saudi facilities are possible over the coming days and 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.
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 damage or casualties.
Advice
Individuals in the region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incidents, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. In the event of a missile attack, individuals should seek shelter indoors immediately and remain as far away from windows as possible, In the event of a missile attack, individuals should stay safe in the strongest building area and as far away from windows, and not touch any debris on the ground, which could be very corrosive.
