Saudi Arabia issues air raid alert in Riyadh, explosions heard

Riyadh residents were warned of a hostile aerial threat shortly before 3am on Saturday, prompting them to stay indoors. Explosions were reportedly heard in the Saudi capital, as reported by an AFP journalist. The alert was issued by Saudi authorities following recent pro-Iranian Houthis attacks in Yemen. This marks the first time Riyadh has been directly impacted since the Yemen conflict escalated in July.

The area was under a hostile aerial threat, as warned by residents. AFP journalists confirmed hearing two explosions, after which Saudi Arabia's civil defense agency lifted the alert half an hour later. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated areas, recently launched a rapid offensive to seize the country's entire Red Sea coast, gaining control over the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait.

The group has declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, affecting its oil exports. According to maritime tracking firm Kpler, Saudi exports via the Bab al-Mandab strait have decreased since July, but five loaded ships passed through in the past week. The Houthis claim navigation of the strait is open except for Saudi vessels.

The UN reported that the renewed fighting had displaced over 112,000 people and led to nearly 3,000 others fleeing to Djibouti, exacerbating the already struggling population's hardships.