Saudi Arabia issued its first Riyadh alerts for hostile aerial threats early Saturday, with flames and smoke reported near King Khalid International Airport. Residents heard explosions, and flight operations were disrupted before an all-clear was issued.
Riyadh Under Alert: Explosions Near Airport
A large plume of black smoke was visible near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport early Saturday, following overnight alerts issued by Saudi civil defense for a hostile aerial threat in the capital and the city of Al-Kharj. Residents reported hearing two explosions before authorities issued an all-clear by morning, with no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.
Flames and Smoke Confirmed Near Airport Fuel Depot
Reuters imagery and eyewitness accounts showed flames rising from a fuel storage depot adjacent to the airport, though the cause of the fire remained unconfirmed. Saudi authorities did not provide details on what prompted the alerts or the source of the audible explosions, though they have previously intercepted Houthi drones and missiles targeting the kingdom.
Houthi Attacks Escalate Amid Red Sea Blockade
The alerts marked the first such warnings in Riyadh since the Iran-backed Houthi group intensified strikes in July, including a declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen and seized strategic Red Sea ports this month, have targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and vessels, disrupting global oil supply routes. On Friday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of attempting "criminal acts" in Sanaa and vowed retaliation.
Global Oil Markets React to Escalation
The attacks have compounded concerns over energy supplies, with oil prices rising amid disruptions to a key Red Sea shipping lane. The UN Security Council condemned Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure, warning of expanded conflict risks and threats to maritime security. Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis, according to sources cited by CBS News.
Airport Operations Disrupted as Warnings Lifted
Flight tracking data showed major delays and cancellations at King Khalid International Airport, rated at the highest disruption level on FlightRadar24. Authorities urged residents to avoid gatherings, though no further threats were reported after the all-clear was issued.
Background: Houthi-Saudi Conflict Intensifies
The latest escalation follows the Houthis’ seizure of Mokha and Perim Island, key chokepoints for Gulf oil exports. The group cites Saudi-led blockades of Houthi-controlled ports as justification for its naval blockade, which has targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. The conflict has drawn regional powers, with Pakistan’s foreign minister pressing Iran to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies amid the crisis.
Saudi civil defense has not commented on the specific threat that triggered the alerts, and no group has claimed responsibility for the explosions or fire near the airport.