Saudi Capital Issues First Air-Raid Alert Since Yemen Fighting Resumed

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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia issued its first air raid warning in the capital since combat in neighbouring Yemen resumed in July, with explosions heard around Riyadh early Saturday.

Residents got an emergency warning soon before 3 a.m. local time, stating that the area was under a hostile aerial threat and advising them to stay indoors. Correspondents reported hearing two explosions before the alarm was removed some 30 minutes later.

Saudi authorities did not immediately determine the source of the danger or whether the explosions were caused by an intercepted missile or drone. A second alarm was issued for Riyadh and adjoining Al-Kharj, and warnings were sent to citizens throughout the kingdom.

The notifications come as conflict between Yemen's Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government forces intensifies. The Houthis have increased drone and missile attacks on Saudi territory in recent weeks, while Saudi Arabia conducted strikes in Yemen.

The renewed war has also resulted in a growing humanitarian disaster. According to the UN, the new fighting has displaced over 112,000 people, with around 3,000 crossing the Red Sea to Djibouti.