Explosions in Riyadh, flames and black smoke seen near the airport.

In the early hours of Saturday, September 19, 2026, powerful explosions rocked Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, prompting an emergency aerial warning. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke and flames near King Khalid International Airport, while firefighters battled fires at oil storage facilities operated by Saudi Aramco. The incident marks the first such attack on Riyadh’s infrastructure since renewed clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi-led forces intensified earlier this month. According to AFP reporters on the ground, the explosions occurred shortly after midnight, followed by an urgent alert advising residents to remain indoors. Two loud detonations were heard, and within hours, more explosions were reported across multiple locations in the city. A journalist from AFP observed a fuel tank belonging to Saudi Aramco catching fire near the airport, with firefighters working to extinguish the blaze. Flightradar24, a flight tracking service, noted significant disruptions at the airport, including delays and cancellations of flights. Saudi authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the cause of the blasts or the nature of the threat. However, the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for targeting “sensitive” sites in Riyadh. This follows a series of attacks attributed to the group against Saudi military and energy installations, primarily in southern regions and along the Red Sea coast. While the Houthi movement has not taken ownership of the specific strike in Riyadh, their long-standing campaign against Saudi interests continues. The escalating conflict between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia has reached new levels of intensity. In the past week alone, the group has launched several attacks, including a ballistic missile strike intercepted by Saudi defenses. According to reports from the Saudi-led coalition, the Houthi forces attempted to target civilian areas and infrastructure in cities such as Bisha, Taef, Farasan, and Yanbu, though these efforts were thwarted by air defenses. The coalition claims that the Houthi rebels have carried out over 300 attacks on Yemen in the last 30 days, many of which have targeted government and military installations. The current round of violence follows a breakdown of a 2022 ceasefire agreement between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. The truce collapsed after the rebels permitted an Iranian aircraft to land in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, which violated Saudi-controlled airspace. Since then, the Houthi group has imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and intensified its attacks on strategic points, particularly in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade. Residents of Riyadh described the night of the explosions as chaotic, with many caught off guard by the sudden alert. Some reported hearing additional explosions beyond the initial two, indicating possible coordinated attacks. Local officials have not confirmed whether any injuries or property damage resulted from the incidents, although the presence of smoke and fire suggests some level of destruction. Meanwhile, the Saudi government has maintained its stance of supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which it backs through a coalition of nations. Despite increased threats, Saudi Arabia has reportedly avoided retaliatory strikes in recent weeks, focusing instead on defensive measures. The Houthi rebels continue to assert their claim over parts of Yemen and challenge the authority of the government backed by Riyadh. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on assessing the extent of damage and determining whether further attacks are imminent. With tensions still high and the potential for more confrontations, both sides are likely to continue their respective campaigns, drawing attention to the ongoing instability in the region.