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10 Oct 2020 | 05:02 AM UTC

Saudi Arabia: Saudi air defenses intercept suspected Houthi drone October 10

Saudi air defenses intercept and destroy suspected Houthi drone on October 10; further cross-border attacks possible over the near term

Warning

Event

Saudi military sources reported that Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) fighting in Yemen intercepted and destroyed an armed drone reportedly launched toward the southern region of the kingdom on Saturday, October 10. The drone is suspected to have been launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The exact details of where the drone was destroyed is not yet known.

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