Saudi Arabia: Saudi naval forces intercept and destroy two suspected Al-Houthi WBIEDs on Dec. 9

Event

Saudi naval forces reported that they intercepted and destroyed two waterborne improvised explosive devices (WBIEDs) in the southern Red Sea, late Dec. 9. Though no group has formally claimed responsibility for the attempted attack, Saudi officials have attributed the incident to the Al-Houthi rebels. The WBIEDs were reportedly launched from Al Hudaydah Governorate in Yemen. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Saudi authorities will likely increase naval and aerial surveillance in the coming days. The incident will likely prompt heightened security measures and could possibly disrupt shipping and maritime transport in the area.

Context

Saudi authorities have condemned Al-Houthi activities in the Red Sea as a threat to navigation and global trade. The Al-Houthis continue to pose a threat to civilian institutions in southern Saudi Arabia and may launch operations from along the coastline. The Saudi government previously reported Nov. 12 that Al-Houthi forces had attempted to attack oil infrastructure at a port terminal in Jazan on Nov. 11; the incident resulted in a limited fire at the facility after Saudi forces managed to intercept and destroy two WBIEDs that perpetrated the attack. The Al-Houthi rebels also continue to launch weaponized drones and missiles targeting Saudi southern provinces of Jazan, Asir, and Najran. However, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) intercept and destroy most projectiles before they strike their intended targets.