Saudi Arabia: Houthis Claim Strikes on Riyadh, Yanbu Port

Near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a plume of black smoke was visible on Saturday morning. This followed reports of explosions in the area, which had been preceded by warnings of a hostile aerial threat. The situation arose amid increased attacks by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi militants, just days after Riyadh accused the rebels of targeting the holy city of Mecca. However, the Houthi group denied these allegations, calling them a "worn-out lie."

Reuters published video and photos of the smoke emerging from the vicinity of the airport, including a highway, the main terminal building, and other structures. Despite the alerts, no casualties or damage have been reported so far. Saudi authorities have not yet disclosed what triggered the warnings or the cause of the explosions, though they had previously intercepted incoming Houthi missiles and drones.

Saudi Civil Defense had advised residents to avoid gathering and filming or photographing the area, which was under the impression of a hostile aerial threat. Riyadh residents were urged to stay indoors before 3:00 a.m. as reported by the AFP news agency. Shortly after, two explosions were heard, followed by an all-clear message from the Saudi civil defense agency half an hour later. Similarly, Reuters reported overnight warnings in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, east of the capital, before the all-clear was given.

A Reuters journalist in Riyadh's Olaya area also noted hearing booms before the all-clear message was sent. Tracking website FlightRadar24 indicated major disruptions at King Khalid International Airport, listing it under its maximum disruption index. The latest events unfold amidst an escalating conflict between the Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government in Yemen, supported by Saudi Arabia.

The 2022 truce between the two sides collapsed in July when the rebels permitted an Iranian plane to land in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, defying Saudi control over Yemeni airspace.

As a result of the escalating conflict, the Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and have reported numerous Saudi strikes since their recent offensive to regain control over the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial global shipping route.