Yemen: Saudi air defenses intercept suspected Houthi drone October 10

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 Saudi Arabia 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

Yemen is engaged in a complex and multifaceted conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced. 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.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. In the event of a missile attack, individuals in the cross-border regions are advised to seek shelter, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.