Saudi Arabia issues ‘hostile aerial threat’ alert, explosions heard in Riyadh

A member of the security forces stand guard during a protest by supporters of the Houthi authorities against the Saudi intervention in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia's recent accusation that the Houthis fired at the holy city of Mecca, in Sanaa on September 18, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Saturday, 19 Sep 2026 9:03 AM MYT

RIYADH, Sept 19 — Explosions were heard in Riyadh today, an AFP journalist reported, after an air raid alert was issued by Saudi Arabian authorities, who have been regularly targeted in recent days by attacks from pro-Iranian Houthis in Yemen.

“The area is under a hostile aerial threat,” a message received by residents of the Saudi capital read.

This is the first time the capital has been directly affected since the conflict in neighbouring Yemen intensified in July. — AFP