Riyadh: Two explosions and air warnings after Houthi missile launch

The Saudi-led military coalition announced the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi group towards Riyadh, while two loud explosions were heard in the capital, and civil defense issued warnings to residents.

The Saudi-led military coalition announced early Saturday the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the Yemeni Houthi group towards the capital Riyadh, while two loud explosions were heard in the city, amid ongoing attacks targeting the kingdom in recent weeks. A journalist for AFP reported hearing two loud explosions in the Saudi capital during the early hours of Saturday, minutes after civil defense warned residents of an aerial threat. The warning urged residents to stay indoors or in safe places and avoid windows and doors, before the danger was declared over about ten minutes later. Civil defense also issued similar warnings in Wadi al-Dawasir south of the capital and Najran in the south of the kingdom. Earlier Saturday, the coalition announced the interception and destruction of a drone in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. These developments come amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom over the past three weeks, targeting vital facilities and airports. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked on October 10, killing 13 people and injuring hundreds, in one of the fiercest attacks the kingdom has seen in recent years.