Saudi Arabia: Military intercept suspected Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait September 17

Event

Saudi military sources reported that Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) intercepted and destroyed an armed drone reportedly targeting civilian areas in Khamis Mushait (Asir province) on Thursday, September 17. The drone is suspected to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels and is indicated to have occurred in the afternoon on Thursday. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damages.

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

Context

Houthi militants have reportedly fired hundreds of 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 drone and missile attacks, and Riyadh has also seen several missile attacks in the last several months; however, they rarely result in many damages or casualties.

Advice

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