RIYADH: A column of black smoke was reported near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after air raid alerts were issued in the Saudi capital amid escalating tensions involving Iran-backed Houthi militants in neighbouring Yemen.
The incident followed warnings issued to residents, who were urged to remain indoors. It marked the first reported air raid alert for Riyadh since the recent escalation in the conflict, according to the supplied report.
Several apparent explosions were heard in the capital, while flight delays and cancellations were reported at Riyadh’s international airport.
The cause of the smoke has not been officially confirmed by Saudi authorities.
Footage and eyewitness reports showed thick black smoke rising near King Khalid International Airport, with flames reportedly visible in the vicinity of fuel storage facilities.
An AFP journalist reported seeing firefighters attempting to extinguish a burning fuel tank bearing the logo of Saudi state energy company Aramco.
The exact cause of the fire and whether it was directly connected to an aerial attack had not been officially confirmed in the available reports. Reuters also reported that Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the smoke.
The smoke incident was accompanied by disruptions at Riyadh’s main international airport.
According to flight-tracking service FlightRadar24, King Khalid International Airport experienced significant operational problems, including delays and cancellations.
The disruptions came as residents reported explosions in parts of the capital following overnight warnings from Saudi Civil Defence.
Saudi Authorities Issue Air Raid Alerts
Saudi Civil Defence sent alerts to residents warning of potential danger in Riyadh and other areas, including Al-Kharj.
Residents were advised to remain indoors, while an all-clear was issued on Saturday morning.
People in Riyadh described hearing loud booms and explosions. One resident told AFP that windows shook after an alarm sounded.
The warnings came amid an escalation in attacks involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred amid increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi interests, while Saudi Arabia has conducted military operations against the group.
On Friday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out strikes in Yemen and warned that the reported attacks would receive a response.
The Houthis are engaged in a prolonged conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
The group has also declared a naval blockade affecting Saudi-linked shipping routes in the Red Sea, adding pressure to regional energy transportation.
The escalating fighting has also created humanitarian challenges.
According to the International Organization for Migration, the number of people displaced by recent fighting had exceeded 104,796, highlighting the continuing impact of the conflict on civilians.
The fighting and disruptions to shipping routes have raised broader concerns about regional stability and energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia relies on Red Sea shipping routes for energy exports, particularly amid disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
