Flames, Smoke Seen Near Riyadh Airport After Saudi Aerial Threat Alert

A large plume of black smoke is visible near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday after explosions were heard in the Saudi capital.

This follows authorities issuing alerts warning of a potential aerial threat. Reuters reported a huge column of black smoke rising near the airport, with airport highway, terminal buildings, and other facilities visible. Flames were also seen rising from behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. An AFP journalist at the scene reported seeing firefighters attempting to extinguish a burnt-out fuel tank bearing the logo of Saudi oil giant Aramco.

Saudi authorities did not immediately state the cause of the smoke or explosions. Flights reportedly faced cancellations and delays. Saudi civil defense sent emergency phone alerts to residents overnight, warning of a possible aerial attack in Riyadh and the eastern city of Al-Kharj. A Reuters journalist in Riyadh's Olaya district heard explosions before the all-clear was issued.

AFP journalists also reported hearing two explosions after residents received an alert shortly before 3 a.m. The warning message stated, "The area is under a hostile aerial threat." Saudi authorities did not identify the source of the threat or state whether any incoming missile or drone had been intercepted. This alert marks the first such warning for Riyadh since the latest escalation involving Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group began in July.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa, have intensified attacks against Saudi targets since announcing a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. Their attacks have targeted Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping in the Red Sea. The Iran-aligned group seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast in a lightning advance this month. The UN Security Council on Friday condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These attacks include those impacting civilian and energy infrastructure, which have resulted in the injury of civilians, including women and children. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Friday the group foiled unspecified criminal attempts in Sanaa, blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing a response.