Air Raid Alert Issued in Riyadh as Explosions Heard Amid Houthi Escalation
RIYADH:Saudi authorities issued an emergency air-raid alert in Riyadh early Saturday following warnings of a potential hostile aerial threat, with residents reporting explosions in several parts of the capital.
According to reports, residents received emergency messages on their mobile phones shortly before 3am local time, instructing them to remain indoors and follow safety instructions. A similar alert was also issued in the nearby city of Al-Kharj. ([Arab News][2])
A Reuters correspondent in Riyadh’s Al Olaya district reported hearing explosions following the alert. Saudi Civil Defense later announced that the danger had passed and issued an all-clear. ([Reuters][1])
The Saudi-led coalition later said that its air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Houthi forces towards Riyadh. According to the coalition spokesperson, the missile was destroyed in the air without causing damage. ([Arab News][3])
The incident came amid an escalation in fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement that began in July. It was the first time an air-raid alert had been issued in Riyadh since the latest escalation.
The Houthis later claimed responsibility for attacks targeting what they described as “sensitive” sites in Riyadh. The group said it had used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones in attacks against Saudi targets. ([Al Jazeera][4])
Meanwhile, flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Reuters reported that the exact cause of the fire was initially unclear, while subsequent reports linked the incident to a fuel storage area near the airport. ([Reuters][5])
The escalation follows a series of Houthi attacks against Saudi cities and infrastructure in recent weeks. Saudi authorities have issued security alerts in several parts of the Kingdom amid the continuing threats. ([Reuters][6])
The United Nations Security Council has condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed concern over strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure. Council members also warned that continued escalation could have wider regional and international consequences. ([Arab News][7])
The latest developments have raised concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as the potential impact of the wider conflict on regional stability and international energy supplies.
