Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim drone attack on Abha airport June 17 /update 6

Event

Houthi rebels claimed they carried out a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport (AHB) on Monday, June 17. Saudi officials have not confirmed the attack or any damages. Details are still emerging.

Houthi rebels are likely to claim additional attacks on Saudi infrastructure over the coming days and weeks. 

Context

On June 15, Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) and Abha International Airport (AHB), leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations at both airports. A similar attack targeting AHB took place on June 2, wounding 26 civilians. The Houthis also claimed multiple attacks targeting the King Khalid Air Base, near Khamis Mushait, and Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) on June 9-10. In May 2019, the group also said that it had hit military targets at airports in Najran and Jizan.

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 areas and flying via AHB are advised to monitor developments, contact their airline for more information, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.