Three Explosions Heard in Riyadh After Houthi Missile Intercepted
RIYADH: Three loud explosions were heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after authorities issued warnings of a potential aerial threat. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired toward the city, though there was no immediate confirmation of the nature of the blasts or any damage.Residents reported hearing three explosions…
RIYADH: Three loud explosions were heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after authorities issued warnings of a potential aerial threat. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired toward the city, though there was no immediate confirmation of the nature of the blasts or any damage.
Residents reported hearing three explosions across the city, but it remained unclear whether they were linked to a missile or drone attack. Saudi authorities had sent mobile alerts warning residents of a hostile aerial threat.
The development came after a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. The airport has been closed since the strike, and several airlines have cancelled flights.
Saudi Arabia has launched an investigation into why its air-defence systems failed to stop the Houthi missiles and drones. Preliminary findings suggest the Houthis first launched multiple drones to overwhelm Saudi defences before firing a combination of cruise and ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened around Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with reports saying he has been moved between fortified locations equipped with underground bunkers. Saudi authorities have also warned of legal action against anyone filming or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions.
