Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh

Riyadh, Sep 20: Saudi Arabia issued an emergency alert warning residents of Riyadh about a “hostile aerial threat” on Saturday, as attacks by Yemen-based Houthi forces intensified. It was the first such alert in the Saudi capital since the latest escalation with the Houthis began in July.

Residents were urged to remain indoors after the warning was issued in the early hours of Saturday. Explosions were subsequently heard in Riyadh, while a large plume of smoke was reported near King Khalid International Airport.

The Saudi-led coalition later said its air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh. It also said attacks targeting civilian areas and infrastructure in other parts of the kingdom had been thwarted.

No casualties or significant damage were initially reported in Riyadh. Saudi Civil Defence later issued an all-clear after the threat had passed.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks targeting what they described as “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu. The group said it used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

The latest escalation follows growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. The Houthis have carried out repeated attacks against Saudi targets, while Saudi-led forces have conducted operations against Houthi-held areas.

The renewed fighting has also raised concerns over regional security, shipping and energy supplies, particularly as the Houthis have targeted vessels and infrastructure along the Red Sea route.

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure, and warned that the escalation could further threaten regional and maritime security.