Multiple explosions have reportedly shaken Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, prompting air raid warnings and disrupting flights as tensions with Yemen’s Houthis continue to intensify.
Emergency alerts were sent to residents early Saturday warning of a “hostile aerial threat” and advising people to remain indoors. Blasts were subsequently reported across Riyadh before civil defence authorities issued an all-clear roughly 30 minutes later. The incident marked the first air raid warning in the capital since hostilities in neighbouring Yemen flared again in July.
Later in the day, thick black smoke and flames were visible near King Khalid International Airport. Footage showed smoke rising around the airport’s fuel-storage facilities, while numerous flights were reportedly delayed or cancelled.
Saudi authorities have yet to publicly identify the cause of the explosions or provide information about possible casualties or the extent of any damage.
The confrontation intensified in July after Saudi strikes on Sanaa International Airport brought an end to a fragile truce that had largely held since 2022, leading to renewed exchanges of attacks with the Houthis.
The Houthis, who control substantial areas of northern Yemen, have also reportedly advanced along the Red Sea coastline and captured strategically important positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping passage connecting the Red Sea with international maritime routes.
The fighting is adding pressure to Saudi oil exports at a time when Riyadh has become increasingly dependent on Red Sea shipping routes because of disruption affecting the Strait of Hormuz amid the US conflict with Iran.
Saudi crude shipments through the region have reportedly fallen since July, although several loaded vessels travelled through the waterway during the past week. The Houthis maintain that international commercial shipping remains unaffected apart from Saudi vessels.
The turmoil is also affecting energy supplies to Europe. Saudi Aramco has reportedly informed European refiners that they will receive no Saudi crude during October, as global oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.
🇸🇦🇾🇪‼️ URGENTE AHORA
Se reportan explosiones en la CAPITAL DE ARABIA SAUDITA Riyahd o Riad tras ataques con misiles BALÍSTICOS lanzados por los HUTÍES de Yemen. pic.twitter.com/fd3xMamrWx
— 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑳 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬 𝑾𝑨𝑹 🪖 (@IntelDudee) September 19, 2026
More Houthis missiles over Riyahd 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/umsA6a6Qb1
— Brian’s Breaking News and Intel (@intelFromBrian) September 19, 2026
