Flames and large plume of black smoke seen rising near Riyadh airport

Near Riyadh's primary airport on Saturday, a significant plume of smoke was observed, accompanied by explosions that prompted Saudi Arabia to issue alerts overnight regarding possible danger in the capital and the nearby city of Al-Kharj, east of the capital. However, Saudi civil defense later declared an all-clear on Saturday morning.

Witnesses in Riyadh's Olaya area reported hearing explosions prior to the all-clear message. It is noteworthy that such alerts have been issued in Riyadh prior to the current escalation, but this marks the first occurrence since the surge in attacks by Yemen's Houthi group in July. The Houthis, who hold control over most of Yemen's population and northern regions, have been conducting assaults on Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against the kingdom in July.

Their strikes have targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, posing a threat to global oil supplies and jeopardizing the Red Sea alternative route for Gulf exports. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains under blockade.