Saudi Arabia: Saudi air defences intercept drone targeting Najran September 10

Event

Saudi Arabian military sources reported that Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) intercepted and destroyed a weaponized drone targeting civilian areas in Najran on Thursday, September 10. The drone is suspected to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels. It remains unclear if the drone was intercepted and destroyed over Saudi or Yemeni territory. There are no immediate reports of casualties or damages.

Further cross-border attacks are possible in areas close to the Yemen border over the near term.

Context

Houthi militants have reportedly fired hundreds of 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

In the event of a missile attack, individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised to seek shelter, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.