30 Aug 2020 | 04:33 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Air Defense Forces intercept drone targeting Khamis Mushait August 30
Saudi Air Defense Forces intercept suspected Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait (Asir province) on August 30; further cross-border attacks possible over the near term
Event
Saudi Arabian military sources reported that Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) intercepted a weaponized drone targeting Khamis Mushait (Asir province) on Sunday, August 30. The drone is suspected to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels and is likely to have been targeting the King Khalid Air Base (KMX) in the city. It is not indicated exactly where the drone was destroyed but no casualties or infrastructural damage has been reported.
Further cross-border attacks are possible in areas close to the Yemen border over the near term.
Context
Houthi militants have reportedly fired hundreds of 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
In the event of a missile attack, individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised to seek shelter, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.
