A dense cloud of smoke was spotted near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, sparking concerns and security alerts in the Saudi capital. The incident occurred after residents received warnings on their mobile phones about a potential threat in the area. According to reports, the smoke was visible in the vicinity of the airport, with images and videos showing the airport's road, main passenger terminal, and surrounding facilities.
The Saudi Civil Defense sent out alerts during the night, warning of a potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj, located east of the capital. The alerts were issued via mobile phones, and residents were advised to take precautions. However, by Saturday morning, the authorities announced that the threat had passed. A Reuters journalist in the Al-Ulya area of Riyadh reported hearing a loud noise before the alert was lifted.
Despite the reassurance, the incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, particularly with the ongoing military escalation. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group, which controls large areas of northern Yemen. The Houthis have been launching attacks on Saudi targets, including ships in the Red Sea, and have threatened to disrupt maritime traffic.
The Houthi group, which is allied with Iran, has been involved in a series of clashes with Saudi Arabia, leading to concerns about the impact on global trade and energy supplies. The group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed that they had foiled "criminal attempts" in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, without providing further details. The incident has also sparked condemnation from the international community, with the UN Security Council issuing a statement denouncing the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The UN Security Council statement expressed concern about the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, which have resulted in injuries to civilians, including women and children. The Council also condemned the Houthi group's military escalation inside Yemen, citing the risks to regional security and the impact on maritime traffic and energy supplies.
The incident near Riyadh's airport has highlighted the fragile security situation in the region, with the potential for further escalation. The Saudi authorities have yet to provide a detailed explanation of the cause of the smoke or the source of the loud noise. However, the incident has underscored the need for caution and vigilance in the face of ongoing regional tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with concerns about the potential for further attacks or incidents. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for restraint and de-escalation.
Key points
- The incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group.
- The Houthi group has been launching attacks on Saudi targets, including ships in the Red Sea.
- The UN Security Council has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed concern about the impact on regional security and energy supplies.
