Saudi Arabia: Air defense forces intercept weaponized drone targeting Jazan Feb. 26

Event

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) reportedly intercepted and destroyed a suspected Al-Houthi-launched weaponized drone targeting Jazan Province, Feb. 26. Debris from the downed drone landed in the Al-Jadiyyin area. There have been no reports of casualties.

Localized disruptions to transport and business operations are possible near weapon fragment impact sites. Additional cross-border attacks are almost certain in the coming days.

Context

Saudi Arabia has been under repeat cross-border attacks since the beginning of the Yemeni conflict in 2015 and will almost certainly be subject to additional attacks for the duration of the conflict. Given the Al-Houthis' entrenched positions in northern Yemen and the Saudi armed forces' apparent inability to defeat them militarily, cross-border launches into the kingdom's territory will probably continue indefinitely.

Attacks will almost certainly continue to primarily target Asir, Jazan, and Najran provinces along the Saudi-Yemeni border. Though longer-range attacks against military bases, civilian areas, and critical infrastructure located deeper within Saudi territory - including targets near Yanbu and Riyadh - will continue to be periodically reported. The rebels use a combination of weaponized drones, with ranges from 15 km (9 miles) to 500 km (310 miles), as well as short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) with ranges from 30 km (18 miles) to 1,000 km (620 miles).

The Saudi military claims to intercept most, if not all, attacks, though falling post-intercept debris remains a potentially lethal hazard. Previous Al-Houthi cross-border attacks have resulted in civilian casualties; however, most are due to shorter-range mortar and rocket attacks that concentrate near areas within 10 km (6 miles) of the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Advice

If officials report incoming projectile fire or drone activity in the general vicinity, stay indoors away from windows and exterior walls; if possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in Saudi Arabia's border provinces. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.