Saudi Arabia issues first air raid alerts for Riyadh since Houthis escalated attacks

Image source, Fayez Nureldine / AFP via Getty Images By Brandon Livesay Published 19 September 2026, 05:20 BST Residents in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh have been given the all-clear after air raid alerts were issued and explosions were reported in the capital.

It was the first time alerts have been issued in Riyadh since the Houthis increased their attacks and declared a "maritime embargo" on the Saudis in July.

The Saudi Civil Defence sent alerts for the capital and several other regions late on Friday night and Saturday morning (local time) as the Kingdom's conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis continued to escalate.

Journalists from Reuters and AFP reported hearing explosions in the capital, but authorities have since said the danger has passed. Residents were urged to avoid gathering in crowds.