Saudi Arabia: Air defenses reportedly destroys drone targeting JIZ airport May 26

Event

Emerging reports claim Saudi air defense systems destroyed a suspected Houthi drone near King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) in Jazan on Sunday, May 26. Further details were not immediately made available.  

Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Jazan are possible over the coming days.

Context

Tensions have increased between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in recent days. Most recently, Houthi militants claimed an explosive drone attack targeting Saudi forces in Najran on May 22 and an explosives-laden drone attack on May 21, which the rebels assert destroyed an arms depot at EAM; Saudi officials issued a contradictory statement saying that the May 21 attack targeted a civilian site.

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 many damages or casualties.

Advice

Individuals in Jazan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.