BLACK SMOKE RISES NEAR RIYADH AIRPORT AS SAUDI ARABIA FACES FRESH HOUTHI ATTACKS

Flames and a thick column of black smoke were seen close to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, September 19, following renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. An eyewitness told Reuters that the fire and smoke were visible near the airport, while images from the scene showed a large plume rising from a fuel storage facility at the airport.

The incident occurred after Saudi authorities activated air-raid alerts in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, a city located east of the Saudi capital. The warnings were issued amid concerns over possible attacks, with residents alerted to potential danger. Saudi civil defence authorities later announced an all-clear after the alerts were lifted.

A Reuters journalist in Riyadh also reported hearing two loud explosions in the Olaya area of the capital. However, the precise cause of the fire near the airport and the extent of any damage had not been independently confirmed at the time of reporting. The Saudi government media office had also not immediately responded to requests for information about the incident.

The latest developments followed an escalation in hostilities involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after a four-year ceasefire between the Houthis and the kingdom broke down. Earlier on Saturday, a Houthi military spokesperson said the group had stopped what he described as “criminal attempts” in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and blamed Saudi Arabia for the alleged actions. The spokesperson also threatened a response, although Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the claim.

The renewed fighting has raised concerns over Saudi energy infrastructure and important regional shipping routes. Houthi attacks in recent days have targeted Saudi cities and energy facilities, while Saudi forces have conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as the group’s military escalation inside Yemen. Recent attacks have also reportedly damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, affecting crude shipments through the Red Sea.