23 Jun 2019 | 07:43 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Drone attack at Abha Airport (AHB) kills one, wounds seven others June 23 /update 10
Houthi militants in Yemen claim attack targeting Abha International Airport (AHB) June 23; at least one killed, seven others wounded
Event
Saudi officials confirmed at approximately 22:00 (local time) that an armed drone attack left one person dead and seven others wounded at Abha International Airport (AHB) on Sunday, June 23. Houthi militants in Yemen released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. Flight disruptions (i.e. delays and cancelations) are to be expected at AHB over the coming hours.
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. A Houthi-claimed missile attack wounded 26 people at the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport (AHB) on June 12. Material damage was also reported.
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.
