Saudi Arabia issues all-clear after alerts in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi civil defence issued an all-clear on Saturday after alerts warning of possible danger were sent for a second time in Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj, amid an escalation in attacks by Houthi forces.

The warnings were the first issued for the Saudi capital since the Houthis, who operate from neighbouring Yemen, stepped up attacks against the kingdom.

A Reuters journalist in Riyadh heard two loud booms in the Olaya district. There was no immediate confirmation of the cause.

The alerts came hours after a Houthi military spokesperson said the group had thwarted what he called unspecified “criminal attempts” in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. He blamed Saudi Arabia and vowed that the group would respond.

Saudi Arabia’s government media office did not immediately comment on the Houthi statement.

The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, including its most populous areas. The group has launched attacks toward Saudi Arabia since announcing a naval blockade against the kingdom in July, with strikes targeting vessels in the Red Sea.

The group also says Saudi Arabia has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in recent days. The Houthis recently seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline in a rapid advance.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned what it described as continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure that have injured civilians, including women and children.

The council also condemned the Houthis’ military escalation in Yemen.