Saudi Arabia: Plume of black smoke near Riyadh airport

Black smoke could be seen rising near King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital city, Riyadh, on Saturday.

Earlier, explosions were reported in the vicinity, following overnight warnings of a "hostile aerial threat."

It comes amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi militants and just days days after Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca. The Iran-backed Houthis denied that accusation, calling it a "worn-out lie."

What has being reported

News agency Reuters published video and photos of a large plume of black smoke rising from an area with a highway to the airport, the main terminal building and other buildings in the foreground.

No casualties or damage has been reported after the alerts were lifted and Saudi authorities have not yet said what prompted the alerts or the cause of the audible explosions.

They previously reported intercepting incoming Houthi missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia short of options against Iran-aligned Houthis

Warnings issued by Saudi Civil Defense advised people to avoid gathering and filming or photography.

"The area is under a hostile aerial threat," a message received before 3:00 a.m. by Riyadh residents, urging them to stay indoors, as reported by the AFP news agency.

AFP journalists then reported hearing two explosions, before the Saudi civil defence agency lifted the alert half an hour later.

Similarly, Reuters reported that overnight warnings were issued in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, east of the capital, before an all-clear was issued.

A Reuters journalist in Riyadh's Olaya area reported hearing booms before the all-clear message was sent.

Tracking website FlightRadar24 reported "major problems" at the King Khalid International Airport, listing it under its maximum disruption index.

Unravelling security situation

The latest developments come amid an escalation between the Houthisand the internationally recognized government in Yemen that is supported by Saudi Arabia.

A 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia fell apart in July after the rebels allowed an Iranian plane to land in Yemen's capital Sanaa, which defied the Saudis' control over Yemeni airspace. As a result of the escalation, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.

The group has reported dozens of Saudi strikes since its recent offensive to secure control over the coastal areas near the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab Strait — a vital global shipping route — from government hands.

Houthi gains in Yemen threaten key Red Sea shipping route

Edited by: Zac Crellin

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