Airstrike Alert Issued in Riyadh Following Reports of Explosions

An air strike warning was issued in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, followed by two loud explosions. This marks the first time such an alert has been activated in Riyadh since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen. The incident occurred early on Saturday, September 19. Shortly before 3:00 AM, an emergency alert was sent to the mobile phones of Riyadh residents, informing them that the area was under hostile airspace threat and instructing everyone to stay indoors. Immediately after receiving the alert, AFP journalists heard two distinct explosions. The alert was lifted approximately half an hour later.

Saudi Civil Defense later announced that the potential threat to Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj had ended, urging citizens and residents to adhere to official safety guidelines. However, no immediate details were provided regarding any specific attack or target that triggered the warning. Meanwhile, conflict between Saudi forces and the Houthis in Yemen has intensified in recent weeks. The Houthis claim to have launched drone and missile strikes into Saudi territory, while Saudi air defenses reported intercepting several drones.

Earlier on Thursday, Saudi authorities stated that the debris from an intercepted Houthi drone in Taif killed one Yemeni national and injured two others. Simultaneously, tensions have escalated along the Red Sea coast over Houthi advances and surrounding the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The renewed conflict has sparked growing concerns not only over security but also regarding regional maritime trade and energy supplies. According to United Nations estimates, recent fighting in Yemen has displaced more than 112,000 people, with nearly 3,000 fleeing by sea to Djibouti.