Saudi Arabia: Saudi air defences intercept drone targeting Abha International Airport September 8

Event

Saudi air defenses reportedly intercepted a drone which was believed to be targeting Abha International Airport (AHB) on Tuesday, September 8. It is unclear whether the drone was shot down in Saudi or Yemeni airspace. Houthi media had claimed earlier on Tuesday they had targeted Abha International Airport (AHB) with a number of drones and disrupted operations at the airport for several hours. 

Similar Houthi militant attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and facilities are possible over the coming days and weeks.

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, 2019. 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 flying via AHB are advised to monitor developments, confirm flight reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Seek shelter immediately in the event of a missile or drone attack.