Explosions Heard in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia Reports Intercepting Missile and Drone
Saudi Civil Defense issued aerial threat warnings in Riyadh and other areas, urging residents to remain indoors and away from windows.
Riyadh: Two explosions were heard in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, on Saturday following a warning from Saudi Civil Defense about a possible hostile aerial attack, according to Agence France Presse (AFP).
An AFP journalist reported hearing two loud explosions shortly after residents received the alert. The warning was reportedly lifted a short time later.
In its advisory, Civil Defense urged residents to remain calm and stay indoors or in a safe location away from windows and doors. Similar warnings were also issued in Wadi al Dawasir, south of Riyadh, and Najran in southern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities separately announced that they had intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi group towards Riyadh. A drone was also intercepted in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, according to the report.
The reported incidents come amid heightened tensions and an increase in attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. The report also referred to an earlier strike on Riyadh airport on October 10, which it said killed 13 people and injured hundreds.
Authorities have urged residents to follow official safety instructions as the situation develops.