'Explosions heard in Riyadh' as authorities issue and withdraw alert

Explosions were heard in Riyadh on Saturday, an AFP journalist reported, after an air raid alert was issued by Saudi Arabian authorities, who have been regularly targeted in recent days by attacks from pro-Iranian Houthis in Yemen. "The area is under a hostile aerial threat," a message received by residents of the Saudi capital read. This is the first time the capital has been directly affected since the conflict in neighbouring Yemen intensified in July. The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence later issued a statement on X saying the danger has passed in Riyadh and al-Kharj and urged residents to continue following its instructions and avoid gathering or filming.