Saudi Arabia: Houthi UAV intercepted near Najran October 6

Event

Saudi authorities claimed on Tuesday, October 6, to have intercepted an explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels towards the southern city of Najran. The UAV was reportedly destroyed by Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) before reaching the city and there were no reports of any casualties or significant damage.

Further cross-border attacks, including UAV and rocket strikes, are likely in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border provinces in the medium term. Whilst many UAVs, rockets, and missiles are intercepted, there remains a risk of conflict spill-over in towns and cities in the region.

Context

Yemen-based Houthi rebels have launched hundreds of rockets, missiles, and UAVs into Saudi Arabia since 2015, when Saudi forces intervened in the country in support of the Yemeni government against in the Yemeni Civil War. 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 familiarise themselves with missile attack procedures in their particular area of operations and the location of the nearest air raid shelters.