Saudi Arabia activates Riyadh air alerts after Houthi attacks escalate

Air alerts sound in Riyadh and Al-Kharj

Saudi civil defence activated emergency warning systems across Riyadh and the eastern city of Al-Kharj late Friday and early Saturday. Emergency sirens sounded at 4:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 a.m., marking the first air-raid alerts in the capital since the conflict between the United States and Iran in March and April. Journalists in Riyadh's Olaya district heard two explosions during the alert window, while residents were advised to avoid public gatherings. Civil defence authorities subsequently issued an all-clear notice, confirming that no casualties or structural damage were reported. Saudi authorities did not confirm the exact cause of the explosions, though the military has previously intercepted incoming Houthi missiles and drones over the region.

Houthi offensive and maritime blockade

The aerial alerts occurred hours after Houthi military authorities in Sanaa announced that they had thwarted unspecified security attempts, accusing Saudi Arabia of involvement and vowing a response. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated that the rebel group deployed missiles and drones against Saudi targets in retaliation for more than 450 Saudi air raids over the preceding week. The Houthi movement, which controls northern Yemen and the country's most populated regions, declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July. Group officials claimed the maritime embargo was retaliation for Saudi restrictions on airports and seaports in northwestern Yemen. Over the past week, Houthi forces completed an advance along the entirety of Yemen's Red Sea coast, taking control of Perim Island and the port of Mokha.

Energy disruption and diplomatic requests

The territorial shifts place Houthi forces at key maritime gateways used by Saudi Arabia to export crude oil to markets in Europe and Asia. Saudi oil vessels have depended heavily on the Red Sea corridor after previous military actions effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi oil facilities last week caused fires that temporarily halted operations, contributing to increases in international petrol and diesel prices. Following the strikes, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directly asked US President Donald Trump to authorize military action against Houthi forces. President Trump declined direct military involvement, offering instead to assist the Saudi military with intelligence and targeting support.

We are in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen government regarding regional stability.

United Nations response and Iranian execution

Following an emergency meeting requested by Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and regional territory. The 15-member council stated that the escalation threatens maritime security, international trade, and Yemeni peace initiatives, while worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The council urged all nations to enforce the United Nations arms embargo and prevent the group from receiving training, weapons, and financing. In a separate development on Saturday, Iranian state television reported the execution of Hossein Pedram, who was convicted of providing Israel's Mossad intelligence agency with classified information regarding military sites and missile bases in Isfahan province prior to the 12-day air conflict in June of the previous year.