Key facts
- Thick smoke and flames were seen rising above Riyadh airport on Saturday.
- Saudi authorities issued air-raid alerts to citizens overnight warning of aerial attacks.
- Explosions were heard in the Saudi capital.
- A burning fuel tank with the Aramco logo was seen near King Khalid International Airport.
- FlightRadar24 reported major problems and maximum disruption at the airport.
- The UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Thick smoke and flames were seen rising above Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday after Saudi authorities issued air-raid alerts to citizens overnight warning of aerial attacks. Residents reported hearing explosions in the capital, and the airport experienced significant disruptions, according to tracking website FlightRadar24.
The Saudi civil defense force had sent the alerts to residents of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Yanbu, a major industrial port, shortly before the reported incidents. The all-clear was given later, but citizens were advised against gathering in crowds.
The UN Security Council on Friday condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, noting that these attacks had affected civilian and energy infrastructure and injured civilians. The council also condemned the Houthi offensive in Yemen, which has led to nearly 105,000 people fleeing their homes, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group had foiled unspecified "criminal attempts" in Sana'a and blamed Saudi Arabia, vowing a response. The group also stated that the Saudi air force had conducted hundreds of airstrikes against them in recent days. The Houthis recently seized control of strategic Red Sea islands and the port of Mokha and Perim island in the Bab al-Mandab strait, raising concerns about potential oil supply disruptions.