Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital

On Saturday, September 19, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport witnessed black smoke billowing into the sky following a series of explosions. Authorities had previously issued alerts warning of a potential aerial threat, despite Saudi officials not specifying the cause of the smoke or the explosions. FlightRadar24 reported significant disruptions at the airport, with numerous flights canceled or delayed.

Emergency phone alerts were sent out by Saudi civil defense, warning residents of a possible attack in Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj. The incident marks the first such warning for Riyadh since the Yemeni Houthi group's escalation began in July. The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been conducting attacks against Saudi targets, including cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping in the Red Sea.

The ongoing conflict has raised concerns over global oil supplies and maritime trade, particularly given the Red Sea's importance as an alternative route for Gulf exports. The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks, which have injured civilians, and called for cooperation to prevent the group from obtaining weapons, training, or financing.