Saudi Arabia issues first air raid alerts for Riyadh since Houthis escalated strikes

Saudi Arabia has issued its first air raid alerts for Riyadh since Houthi forces intensified their attacks in July. The Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency warnings for the capital and Al-Kharj on Friday and Saturday as tensions escalated. Witnesses reported loud booms and saw a large plume of black smoke and flames near the airport and along the highway. Authorities declared the threat passed the following morning, advising residents to avoid crowded areas.

The conflict escalated due to territorial shifts in Yemen, where Houthi forces captured key ports and coastal areas. They declared a maritime blockade in response to Saudi actions, targeting oil exports through the Red Sea. The strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure have raised international fuel prices, exacerbating economic pressures.

Diplomatic efforts have been strained; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked the U.S. to take military action, though this has not materialized. President Trump offered intelligence and targeting assistance instead. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session, demanding action against the Houthis and stressing the importance of preserving Red Sea shipping lanes for global trade.

The roots of the conflict trace back to 2014, when Houthi rebels seized control of Sanaa, igniting a civil war that has claimed over 150,000 lives and left millions reliant on humanitarian aid. As regional powers strive to balance military and diplomatic responses, the fate of vital trade routes remains uncertain, with international stakeholders seeking a solution to prevent further humanitarian and economic crises.