Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a “hostile aerial threat” in Riyadh and nearby areas early Saturday, with explosions heard in the capital.
The Saudi Civil Defence issued a warning in Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj at about 2:58 a.m. local time, advising residents to remain indoors. Authorities later issued an all-clear, although another warning was subsequently issued before the danger was again declared to have passed.
At least one explosion was heard in Riyadh following the warning, while AFP journalists in the capital reported hearing two explosions. Saudi authorities did not immediately disclose what prompted the alerts or what caused the explosions.
No casualties or damage were reported after the alerts were lifted.
The warnings came as Saudi Arabia faces an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Saudi authorities have previously reported intercepting missiles and drones launched towards its territory, while the Houthis have continued attacks against Saudi targets amid renewed fighting in Yemen.
The latest incident has heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital, where residents were advised to remain indoors during the warnings. Authorities have not said whether the explosions were connected to an intercepted missile or drone.
Other areas of Saudi Arabia have also received security warnings in recent days, including Jeddah, Taif, Khamis Mushait and AlUla, according to NEW DAILY PRIME
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The latest alert follows several incidents linked to the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On Thursday, Saudi authorities said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone fell in Taif, killing one person and injuring two others.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up its air-defence measures in response to attacks from the Houthis, who have repeatedly used drones and missiles against targets in the kingdom. The group has also carried out attacks connected to the wider regional conflict, increasing concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The wider tensions have raised concerns about regional security and the safety of key maritime routes. The United Nations Security Council has warned that the Houthi military escalation and attacks could further expand the conflict and threaten maritime security and international trade.
The latest warnings also come amid broader instability in the Middle East, where developments involving Yemen and other regional actors have continued to affect security calculations across the Gulf.
Saudi authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions as the security situation develops.
