Saudi Arabia issues air raid alert in Riyadh, explosions heard

Riyadh experienced a series of explosions on Saturday after the Saudi Arabian authorities issued an air raid alert, according to an AFP journalist on the scene. This marked the first instance of direct targeting of the capital since the Yemen conflict escalated in July. The area was under a hostile aerial threat, prompting residents to seek shelter indoors.

Shortly before 3:00 am (0000 GMT), AFP journalists reported hearing two explosions, following which the alert was lifted by the Saudi civil defense agency around half an hour later. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated regions, ramped up their offensive this month, capturing the entire Red Sea coast and securing the Bab Al Mandab strait, a crucial maritime route.

They have imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move Saudi exports via the strait have been bypassing due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Figures from maritime tracking firm Kpler indicated a decline in Saudi exports through the Bab Al Mandab strait since July, although five loaded vessels passed through in the past week.

The Houthis claim the strait remains open and free for navigation, excluding Saudi vessels. The UN reported that the renewed fighting had displaced over 112,000 people, with an additional 3,000 fleeing to Djibouti, exacerbating the plight of an already struggling population.