Saudi Arabia: Saudi-led coalition intercept suspected Houthi drone November 14

Event

Saudi-led coalition forces reportedly destroyed an explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeting Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 14. The drone is believed to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels. Saudi officials have not disclosed which areas in Saudi Arabia the drone was targeting; however, towns and cities in the southwestern border provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran have frequently been targeted in such attacks. The Houthi movement has not commented on the reports and no casualties or damages have been reported. The incident came just two days after Saudi-led coalition forces reportedly intercepted and destroyed five explosive-laden UAVs targeting Saudi Arabia on Thursday, November 12.

Further cross-border attacks are possible, especially in areas close to the border with Yemen, over the near term.

Context

Yemen-based Houthi rebels have launched hundreds of rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Saudi Arabia since 2015, when Saudi-led coalition forces intervened in the country's civil war in support of the Yemeni government. Towns and cities in the southwestern border provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran have frequently been targeted in such attacks, but longer-range ballistic missiles have also been launched towards Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities in the country. Many of these missiles, rockets, and UAVs have been intercepted by Saudi air defenses, but hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured in such attacks since the beginning of the conflict.

Advice

Those in Saudi Arabia are advised to monitor developments and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Travelers should familiarise themselves with missile attack procedures in their particular area of operations and the location of the nearest air raid shelters. In the event of a missile attack, those in the affected area are advised to seek shelter, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities