A large plume of black smoke was seen near Riyadh’s main airport on Saturday after Saudi Arabia issued overnight alerts warning of a potential aerial threat in the capital and nearby areas. (Reuters)
Saudi civil defence sent alerts to residents of Riyadh and Al-Kharj, east of the capital, before issuing an all-clear on Saturday morning. A Reuters journalist in Riyadh’s Olaya district reported hearing two loud booms during the alert period. (HUM News English)
The cause of the explosions and smoke was not immediately confirmed by Saudi authorities. However, the incident came amid a sharp increase in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group against Saudi Arabia.
Reuters images showed a large column of black smoke rising near King Khalid International Airport. Reuters later reported that the smoke was seen rising from the airport’s fuel storage area. (Reuters Connect)
The alerts were the first issued for Riyadh since the Houthis intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia. Residents reported hearing explosions after receiving warnings urging them to remain indoors.
The latest escalation follows the Houthis’ declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July. The group has since carried out attacks targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea and claimed that Saudi forces have conducted hundreds of airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. (Reuters)
The Houthis’ military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Friday that the group had foiled what he described as “criminal attempts” in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and blamed Saudi Arabia for the alleged actions. He also vowed a response.
The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure. The council also criticised the group’s military escalation in Yemen. (Reuters)
The latest violence has raised concerns over regional security and energy supplies, particularly as shipping through the Red Sea has come under pressure while the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted.