Saudi Arabia: Saudi-led coalition intercepts multiple Houthi explosive-laden UAV near Yemeni border October 28

Event

Saudi-led coalition forces reportedly destroyed six explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on the country's border with Yemen during the early hours of Wednesday, October 28. A coalition spokesman said in a statement that the drones were believed to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels. The statement did not specify the specific targets of the drones. 

The intercept comes following a similar incidents during the weekend of Saturday-Sunday, October 24-25, during which Saudi forces claimed to have intercepted an explosive-laden UAV which was believed to be targeting civilian areas of southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi rebels claimed that the UAV, along with two others launched on Friday, October 23, were targeting Jizan (GIZ) and Abha (AHB) airports and Khamis Mushait airbase.

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

Context

Yemen-based Houthi rebels have launched hundreds of rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Saudi Arabia since 2015, when Saudi-led coalition forces intervened in the country's civil war in support of the Yemeni government. Towns and cities in the southwestern border provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran have frequently been targeted in such attacks, but longer-range ballistic missiles have also been launched towards Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities in the country. Many of these missiles, rockets, and UAVs have been intercepted by Saudi air defenses, but hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured in such attacks since the beginning of the conflict.

Advice

Those in southwestern Saudi Arabia are advised to monitor developments and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Travelers should familiarize themselves with missile attack procedures in their particular area of operations and the location of the nearest air raid shelters.

In the event of a missile attack, those in the affected area are advised to seek shelter, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities