Saudi civil defense sends all-clear after alerts issued for Riyadh in first since Houthi escalation

Saudi civil defense issued alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj, later sending an all-clear, marking the first such alerts for the capital since Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia escalated. A Reuters journalist reported two booms in Riyadh's Olaya area. The alerts followed a Houthi military spokesperson's statement accusing Saudi Arabia of unspecified "criminal attempts" in Sanaa and vowing a response.

Saudi civil defense issued alerts for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj on Saturday, later sending an all-clear. These were the first alerts for the capital since Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia. A Reuters journalist reported hearing two booms in Riyadh's Olaya area. The alerts came hours after the Houthi military spokesperson accused Saudi Arabia of unspecified "criminal attempts" in the Yemeni capital Sanaa and vowed a response. The Saudi government's media office did not immediately comment. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen and recently seized the country's entire Red Sea coast, have been launching attacks on Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade in July. The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those impacting civilian and energy infrastructure, and condemned the Houthi military escalation in Yemen.