Conflict between Saudi Arabian forces and Yemeni Houthi rebels
The 2020 Riyadh drone and missile attack was a cruise missile and drone attack carried out by the Yemeni Houthi rebels which occurred on 23 June 2020. The attack, according to the Houthis, targeted the King Khalid Airport and the Defense Ministry headquarters in Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh.
The Saudi-led coalition reported the interception of 8 Houthis UAVs and 3 ballistic missiles launched at Riyadh. According to "Reuters": "Two loud explosions were heard in Riyadh and smoke billowed into the sky", but "there was no sign of damage to the side of the defense ministry building that is visible from the main road or to any surrounding buildings. The area was quiet on Tuesday evening, with normal traffic flows and no additional security measures.
According to Saudi-led coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki, the Houthi attack was "a deliberate hostile action designed to target civilians".
Background.
In March 2018, Houthi forces targeted Riyadh with missile attacks. "Reuters" reported that Saudi forces said they shot down three missiles over Riyadh shortly before midnight. Debris fell on a home in the capital, killing an Egyptian man and wounding two others.
In June 2019, the Houthis launched cruise missiles at Abha International Airport and killed a Syrian civilian and wounded 47 others.
In September 2019, Iranian forces launched an attack on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq–Khurais energy facility.
During the ongoing civil war in Yemen and the Saudi intervention in Yemen, Houthi forces were achieving territorial gains in the Al Jawf Governorate and in Marib. The attack is considered by analysts as a big escalation in the war and a reason for Saudi Arabia to reconsider "its military prowess".
Attacks.
According to the Houthis the attack was carried out targeting 5 locations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen:
No casualties were reported.
References.
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