20 Jun 2019 | 06:30 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Houthis claim attack targeting Jizan Airport (GIZ) June 20 /update 9
Houthi militants in Yemen claim attack targeting Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) in Jizan province June 20; no immediate confirmation from Saudi officials
Event
Houthi militants in Yemen released a statement on Thursday, June 20, claiming another cross-border attack targeting Jizan Regional Airport (GIZ) in Jizan (Saudi Arabia). Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the incident; however, unconfirmed Houthi sources claimed it had disrupted air traffic at GIZ.
Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi facilities are possible over the coming days.
Context
Houthi rebels have claimed several missile attacks targeting Saudi facilities and infrastructure since late May 2019. The group has targeted airports in Abha, Jizan, and Najran.
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 substantial damages or casualties.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile attack.
