19 Jun 2019 | 12:53 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthi drone intercepted June 19 /update 7
Authorities claim they have intercepted a Houthi drone attack June 19; similar attacks possible over coming days
Event
On Wednesday, June 19, Saudi authorities claimed they intercepted a Houthi drone launched from the city of Hudaydah preventing it from penetrating Saudi airspace. Houthi rebels denied the information via their media channel.
Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi facilities are possible over the coming days.
Context
Several missile attacks targeting Saudi facilities were claimed by Houthi rebels since late May 2019. On June 17, Houthi forces claimed attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport, later confirmed by Saudi officials. On June 15, Houthi forces claimed responsibility for similar attacks on Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) and Abha International Airport (AHB), leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations at both airports. A previous 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.
