Houthi attack sparks fire near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
Warnings of an aerial attack preceded multiple explosions and a fire near King Khalid International Airport, with flights delayed or cancelled.
A column of black smoke rose near Riyadh's international airport after authorities issued warnings of an aerial attack on the Saudi capital, officials and witnesses said. The alert marked the first time residents were told to remain indoors amid a recent escalation of hostilities with Houthi rebels from neighbouring Yemen.
Explosions and airport disruption
Multiple explosions were reported across the capital, and a fire broke out close to King Khalid International Airport. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 recorded delays and cancellations affecting the airport’s schedule.
Witnesses described seeing thick black smoke near the runway area as emergency teams responded. The warnings to stay inside were issued only hours before the plume was observed.
The incident comes amid heightened cross-border tensions with Houthi forces in Yemen, who have launched attacks on targets inside Saudi Arabia during the recent escalation.
Authorities have not yet released a full account of damage or the cause of the blaze; flight monitoring continues to show operational disruptions at King Khalid International Airport.
Photo: Stringer)
