Saudi Arabia Issues Nationwide Aerial Threat Alerts Amid Houthi Escalation

Saudi Arabia Issues Aerial Threat Alerts Across Kingdom; Riyadh Reports Explosions

Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts across several parts of the kingdom warning residents of a “hostile aerial threat,” amid an escalation in attacks involving Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Alerts were reported in areas including Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Khamis Mushait and Al-Ula. 

The warning marked the first such alert in Riyadh since the latest escalation with the Houthis. At least one explosion was heard in the Saudi capital, while a large plume of smoke was seen near King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities later issued an all-clear. No casualties or damage were immediately confirmed by Saudi officials. 

The Houthis claimed they had launched missile and drone attacks against what they described as sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. The claims had not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the alleged strikes. 

The escalation has also raised concerns over regional energy and maritime security, with Houthi attacks affecting Saudi infrastructure and shipping routes near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The UN Security Council has condemned the attacks and warned that continued escalation could threaten international trade and maritime security. 

Other Major Middle East Developments

Iran-US talks: Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran had conveyed conditions for negotiations with Washington through Qatar, including ending the war on all fronts, releasing Iranian assets and lifting the US naval blockade. 

Gaza: Israeli strikes continued, with Palestinian health officials reporting further casualties, while Israel said it had targeted Hamas personnel. 

Southern Lebanon: Israel's military said it carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in several areas of southern Lebanon. 

Iran: Iranian state television reported the execution of a man convicted of spying for Israel's Mossad. 

Syria-Yemen: Syrian authorities reportedly rejected a Saudi request to organise and deploy Syrian fighters to Yemen, according to sources cited by Turkish media.