Saudi Arabia: Explosions Near Riyadh Airport
Black smoke has risen near the airport in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh following air raid alerts. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi militia had recently escalated once again.
Mobile phone images from Riyadh show a thick column of black smoke rising near the airport. Residents report explosions in the Saudi capital. According to media reports, firefighters near the airport were attempting to extinguish a burning tank bearing the logo of the state-owned Saudi oil company Aramco.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
Air traffic appears to have been severely disrupted: the website Flightradar24 is reporting major difficulties at Riyadh's airport, with flight cancellations and delays.
Prior to the incident, warnings of air strikes had already been issued to the Saudi population: authorities alerted residents via mobile phone that attacks could occur in the capital Riyadh, the port city of Jeddah, and the port city of Yanbu, which is vital to oil exports. No information is yet available regarding further damage or possible casualties.
Naval Blockade Against Saudi Arabia
For several weeks, the conflict between the Houthi militia in Yemen and Saudi Arabia has flared up again. The Houthis have announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and have been targeting the kingdom with drones. The Houthis are backed by Iran.
Now even the Saudi capital Riyadh appears to be in the Houthis' crosshairs. Saudi Arabia is also facing difficulties with oil exports, as an oil pipeline was destroyed a week ago — an event that has had a corresponding impact on global oil prices.
The wealthy Gulf state is coming under increasing pressure. Allies such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey have already pledged their support. The UN Security Council has also strongly condemned the attacks against Saudi Arabia.
