The Saudi Civil Defense announced on Saturday that the threat to Riyadh had ended, following a series of aerial warnings issued earlier in the day. The alerts were triggered by reports of a potential aerial threat, prompting residents to remain indoors. According to eyewitnesses, two loud explosions were heard in the Al-Ulya district of Riyadh. The warnings were issued via text message to residents, advising them to exercise caution and avoid gathering or taking pictures.
The development comes amid escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Houthi group in Yemen. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been accused by Riyadh of targeting the holy city of Mecca, which Saudi Arabia described as a "cowardly terrorist attack". The Houthis have strongly denied the allegations, insisting that their targets are limited to military installations. The Saudi Civil Defense raised its alert level following the incident, without specifying the source of the threat.
The incident occurred as the United Nations was urging restraint and protection for civilians in Yemen. According to the UN, at least 28 civilians have been killed and 82 injured in 31 incidents in the provinces of Taiz, Hudaydah, and Marib since the escalation of fighting in August. The UN's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed concern that the actual number of casualties may be higher due to difficulties in verifying reports.
The conflict in Yemen has led to significant displacement, with over 18,600 families forced to flee their homes between August 1 and September 16, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The UN and its partners have provided emergency assistance to over 11,000 displaced families, but the response is hampered by funding shortages and access restrictions.
The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with thousands of people stranded due to the security situation and fuel shortages. Some have managed to reach Djibouti by boat, leaving family members behind. The authorities in Somalia's semi-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland have reported an influx of Yemeni arrivals.
The US has approved the sale of 48 warplanes to Saudi Arabia, amid concerns about the escalation of the conflict. The Houthi group has claimed to have foiled "criminal attempts" in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, and has accused Saudi Arabia of being behind them. The group has vowed to respond to what it perceives as Saudi aggression.
The international community continues to express concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The UN has called for restraint and protection for civilians, as well as increased support for humanitarian efforts. The crisis has resulted in significant human suffering, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Key points
- Over 100 civilian casualties documented in Yemen
- Saudi Civil Defense declares end of threat to Riyadh
- UN urges restraint and protection for civilians in Yemen
