Loud explosions and air raid siren; Alert in Riyadh as Houthi-Saudi clash intensifies

RIYADH: Loud explosions were heard in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, following an air-raid warning. The alert was issued for the capital city after Houthi rebels from neighbouring Yemen intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time an air-raid warning has been issued in Riyadh since the Houthis escalated hostilities and declared a "maritime embargo" against Saudi Arabia in July.

Residents of Riyadh received the air-raid siren around 3:00 AM. The alert advised everyone to remain indoors due to the potential risk of an attack. Shortly after, two massive explosions were heard in the city. However, the Civil Defence Agency withdrew the alert half an hour later.

Reporters from Reuters and AFP reported hearing sounds of explosions in Riyadh. However, authorities later clarified that the threat had passed. Nevertheless, officials have advised people to avoid gathering in groups. Recently, the Houthis had seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and the key island of Perim.

Perim Island serves as a gateway to the major shipping route used by Saudi Arabia for exports to Asia and Europe.

A military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthis stated that the naval blockade was announced in retaliation for the blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia on Houthi-controlled ports and airports in northwestern Yemen. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following the conflict between Iran and Israel, Saudi ships rely on this Red Sea shipping route for oil exports.

Last week, the Houthis launched attacks using drones and missiles on several Saudi oil refineries and other oil supply facilities. The attacks caused fires and led to the temporary suspension of some operations.