On 10 February 2021, authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that the Houthi rebel group in neighboring Yemen launched an attack against Abha International Airport (OEAB/AHB), which is located approximately 100 km (65 mi) northwest of the country’s border with Yemen. Reports indicate that an Airbus A-320 operated by the budget airline flyadeal caught fire during the attack, but emergency personnel extinguished the blaze. There were no reports of casualties and airport operations were not disrupted. Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that they used armed drones. Houthi officials allege that the Saudi air force is using the facility to launch airstrikes into Yemen.
Analyst Comment: Houthi rebels routinely launch armed drone and missile attacks into Saudi Arabia, including Abha International Airport. For example, in June 2019, a Houthi cruise missile attack on the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport injured 47 people. The airport facility remains vulnerable to future attacks.
