Saudi authorities briefly warn of 'aerial threat' in Riyadh

RIYADH: On Monday, Saudi authorities issued a brief warning to residents of the capital Riyadh regarding an aerial threat, following an attack on the city's business district the previous day. The alert instructed people to remain calm, stay indoors or in a secure location away from windows and doors, and follow the guidance of Civil Defence.

The warning was subsequently lifted minutes later. Saudi Arabia has endured frequent strikes since October, with the Houthis escalating their attacks against the kingdom after driving out Riyadh-backed forces from the Red Sea coast. On Sunday, the Houthis asserted responsibility for assaults on Riyadh's business district, claiming a skyscraper belonging to the Saudi oil giant Aramco sustained damage.

Saudi officials reported that the building had been the target of an attempted attack. Aramco facilities have been repeatedly hit by the Houthis in recent months, with targets including tankers, refineries, storage areas, and the company's headquarters. The 2022 truce that had halted hostilities in Yemen's ongoing conflict collapsed in July, leading Saudi Arabia to engage in clashes with the Houthis, who have also targeted Saudi airports and military installations, as well as energy infrastructure.