Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia warning of aerial attack threat

Smoke and flames were observed near Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, following loud booms and overnight alerts from authorities warning of a potential aerial attack, according to Reuters. The smoke plume and flames were captured in videos and photographs, with the airport highway, main terminal, and other structures visible.

Saudi civil defense had issued phone alerts overnight, warning of possible danger from aerial attacks in the capital and a city east of Riyadh before eventually issuing an all-clear on Saturday morning. The Saudi government's media office did not respond to inquiries about the smoke or the alerts. Houthi forces, who have been conducting attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade in July, are blamed for this incident.

The UN Security Council condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including those impacting civilian and energy infrastructure.