Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim unconfirmed attacks on King Khalid Air Base June 10 /update 1

Event

On Monday, June 10, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV claimed that Houthi rebels had carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid Air Base, near Khamis Mushait. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm that the air base had come under attack.

Context

Tensions have increased between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in recent weeks. Notably, Houthi militants claimed explosive drone attacks targeting King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport (JIZ) on May 26, 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 Najran Regional Airport (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 the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.