Saudi Arabia Issues Riyadh Air Raid Alert: What Residents Need to Know
Saudi Arabia issued a Riyadh air raid alert early Saturday, September 19, after authorities warned residents of a potential hostile aerial threat. The alert was sent to mobile phones through the National Early Warning Platform and residents were told to remain indoors.
The first warning was issued at around 2:58am local time. Residents and journalists in Riyadh reported hearing explosions shortly afterward. Saudi Civil Defence later announced that the danger had passed.
A second warning was issued around 5:19am for Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj. Authorities again announced an all-clear more than 10 minutes later. No casualties or damage were immediately reported following the alerts.
What Residents Should Do During a Riyadh Air Raid Alert
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
- Keep away from windows, balconies and rooftops.
- Move inside the nearest building if outdoors.
- Avoid open areas and potentially dangerous locations.
- Follow instructions from official Saudi authorities.
- Avoid gathering or filming around affected areas.
The alerts came amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities did not immediately specify what triggered the Riyadh warnings. Reporters says that smoke was later seen near King Khalid International Airport after booms were heard in the capital.
The airport also experienced significant flight disruption, with flight-tracking data showing delays and cancellations during the day.
Saudi Civil Defence has urged residents to continue following official safety instructions as the situation develops.
