Trending 
Flames and a large plume of black smoke have been seen near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following renewed Houthi attacks on the kingdom.
An eyewitness told Reuters that flames and smoke were visible near the airport on Saturday. Reuters images also showed a large plume rising from a fuel storage depot at King Khalid International Airport. However, the exact cause of the fire and the extent of any damage have not been independently established.
The Saudi government media office had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment on the incident.
Read More : North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles
The sighting came as Saudi authorities issued air-raid alerts in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, east of the capital, warning residents of potential danger. Saudi civil defence later issued an all-clear after lifting the alerts.
A Reuters journalist in Riyadh also reported hearing two loud booms in the capital’s Olaya area.
The latest alerts are significant because they are the first reported in Riyadh since the Houthis intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The escalation follows renewed fighting in Yemen after a four-year ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia broke down.
Earlier on Saturday, the Houthi military spokesperson said the group had foiled what he described as “criminal attempts” in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and blamed Saudi Arabia for the alleged actions. The spokesperson also vowed a response. Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on that statement.
The Iran-aligned Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen and have expanded their military activities along the Red Sea. Reuters reported this week that the group has advanced along Yemen’s western coast and gained control of territory around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Read More : Trump: Planned Arch Will Serve as Military Base
The renewed fighting has also affected Saudi energy infrastructure. Houthi attacks in recent days have targeted Saudi cities and energy facilities, while Saudi forces have carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure. It also condemned the group’s military escalation inside Yemen.
The latest incident near Riyadh airport comes as regional tensions continue to threaten energy infrastructure and key shipping routes in the Middle East. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline has also suffered damage following a recent attack, affecting crude shipments through the Red Sea.
