Alert: Aerial Attack on Abha International Airport – U.S. Consulate General Jeddah (Release Date: February 10, 2021) - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia

Alert: Aerial Attack on Abha International Airport – U.S. Consulate General Jeddah

(Release Date: February 10, 2021)

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February 10, 2021

Location: Abha, Asir Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Event: There are multiple media reports of an aerial attack earlier today which caused damage to a civilian airliner and to the International Airport in Abha, Saudi Arabia. At this time, there are no reports of casualties.

The U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah urges U.S. citizens to review the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/saudi-arabia-travel-advisory.html. The Advisory notes that “Regional actors hostile to Saudi Arabia have conducted destructive and sometimes lethal attacks against a variety of targets”. These attacks have recently increased in frequency and severity near the Saudi-Yemen border.

The Advisory urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to areas within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border. It further notes that the International Airport in Abha is a frequent target of cross-border attacks by regional actors, and that U.S. Mission personnel and their families are not permitted to use the airport without Chief of Mission approval.

U.S. citizens are advised to review these immediate precautions to take in the event of an attack:

– If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover.

– If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.

– If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands.

– Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk.

– After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.

For Assistance Contact:

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the American International School of Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000

Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093

JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Riyadh

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia