RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued an early warning of a potential aerial threat over Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj on Saturday before later declaring the danger had passed, amid an intensifying wave of attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces.
The warning was issued through Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform, urging residents to remain indoors and follow official safety instructions. The alert was subsequently lifted and an all-clear issued by the Civil Defence authorities. Two explosions were heard in Riyadh following the alert, according to Reuters and AFP journalists. A Reuters journalist reported hearing two booms in the Olaya area of the capital.
The alert marked the first reported warning affecting Riyadh since the conflict in neighbouring Yemen intensified in July, according to reports. Saudi cities and infrastructure have faced a series of attacks in recent days as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces has escalated.
Saudi authorities did not immediately provide details on the nature of the aerial threat or confirm whether any projectiles struck targets in Riyadh. The alert came hours after a Houthi military spokesperson said the group had thwarted what he described as “criminal attempts” allegedly backed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
The spokesperson threatened a response, adding to concerns that the latest confrontation could further widen the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia since July, including strikes involving drones and missiles, while the broader conflict has also raised concerns over maritime security and commercial shipping through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The latest developments come amid a broader escalation in Yemen, with the United Nations warning of a rapidly worsening humanitarian situation and significant new displacement as fighting continues.
BY: The Times Union
