Saudi Arabia: Air defenses intercept Houthi missile in Najran province Aug. 25 /update 8

Event

Saudi military officials announced on Saturday, August 25, that a ballistic missile was intercepted in Najran province earlier that day. According to Saudi military sources, the missile was fired at the city of Najran; Houthi militants are suspected of firing the missile from Yemen. No associated casualties or damages were reported.

Context

Saudi sources estimate that Houthi militias have fired over 175 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. Notably, Houthi militants launched a missile attack on Riyadh on March 25, coinciding with the third anniversary of the start of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen; one person was killed in the strike.

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.