Saudi Arabia issues ‘hostile aerial threat’ alert, explosions heard in Riyadh

RIYADH, Sept 19 — Explosions were heard in Riyadh early Saturday, AFP journalists reported, after Saudi authorities issued their first air raid alert in the capital since fighting returned to neighbouring Yemen.

The Houthis have been fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since the country’s civil war reignited in July, when the group also declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea.

This is the first time the conflict has reached the capital, further shaking a global economy already rattled by nearly seven months of war between the United States and Iran.

“The area is under a hostile aerial threat,” a message received shortly before 3:00 am (0000 GMT) by residents of the Saudi capital warned, urging them to stay indoors.

AFP journalists then heard two explosions, before the alert was lifted about half an hour later by Saudi Arabia’s civil defence agency.