Smoke and explosions near Riyadh airport trigger alert

A large cloud of smoke was seen near Riyadh’s main airport on Saturday after the sound of explosions, and Saudi Arabia issued warnings early in the morning warning of a possible danger in the capital’s region amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group. There was no immediate comment from the Saudi government press office in response to Reuters questions about the smoke and warnings issued during the early hours of the morning.

Although some warnings were issued in Riyadh this year after the start of the war between the US and Iran, these were the first since the escalation began with the Houthis in July. The situation has raised the level of tension in the Saudi capital, which rarely witnessed events of this nature.

Unknown alert since July

The Houthis, who control the most populous regions of Yemen and much of the country's north, have been launching attacks against Saudi Arabia since they declared a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with attacks targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. The offensive targets Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and shipping, creating new threats to global oil supplies and jeopardizing the main alternative route through the Red Sea for Gulf exports, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

Reuters videos and photographs showed a huge column of black smoke rising in the area, with the airport highway, the main terminal building and other facilities in the foreground. At one point in the video, flames were visible rising behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. The images quickly circulated on social media, increasing apprehension among residents.

Alerts by phone and rumblings

The Saudi defesa civil sent the alerts over the phone during the early morning hours about a possible danger of airstrikes in Riyadh and in the city of Al-Kharj, east of the capital, before issuing an end-of-warning warning on Saturday morning. A Reuters journalist in the Olaya region of Riyadh heard rumblings before the warning was sent. The sequence of events left the population on alert, with many reporting waking up scared by the noises.

There is still no information about victims or property damage. Saudi authorities have not officially commented on the incident, and the source did not detail whether there were interceptions of missiles or drones. The lack of official information contributes to the climate of uncertainty in the region.

Context of the Houthi escalation

Since July, the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi targets, including energy infrastructure and sea routes. The group’s declared naval blockade has affected traffic in the Red Sea, a crucial route for Gulf oil exports. With the Strait of Hormuz already under tension, global energy security faces additional challenges.

Experts point out that the escalation could have significant impacts on oil prices and regional stability. However, the source did not detail specific projections. The international community is watching with concern the development of events.

Reactions and next steps

So far, there has been no official statement from the Saudi government about the incident. The absence of clear information increases anxiety among residents of Riyadh, who await clarification on the origin of the smoke and explosions. Local and international media continue to monitor the situation closely.

In the meantime, the population remains on alert, alert to new defesa civil releases. The episode reinforces the vulnerability of the region in the face of ongoing conflicts and the need for additional security measures. The Boca no Trombone portal will continue to track the developments and will bring new information as it becomes available.

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