Residents of Riyadh were jolted awake by powerful explosions on Monday night, moments after emergency text messages warned of an incoming aerial threat. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the capital, marking the third consecutive day of such attacks amid a widening conflict.

According to Al Jazeera and reports cited from regional officials, the latest barrage included a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and two others directed at Khamis Mushait in the kingdom's southwest. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, stated that the group targeted King Khalid International airport in Riyadh and dispatched a drone toward a military airbase in Khamis Mushait. Saree issued a renewed warning advising international airlines and travellers to avoid Saudi airports, excluding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which the group deemed unsafe.

The renewed assaults follow a series of devastating strikes. Al Jazeera reported that a previous attack on King Khalid International airport killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300 others, while a subsequent strike on Sunday resulted in one death and 11 injuries. In total, recent violence has claimed at least 14 lives. Saudi authorities announced that the airport will remain closed until Saturday, prompting widespread flight cancellations. Additionally, Al Jazeera noted that Saudi oil facilities have been targeted during the campaign.

Speaking at an energy conference in Riyadh, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud addressed the crisis, stating that the events of recent weeks have tested the kingdom's resilience. According to Al Jazeera, the minister emphasized that the country's response must be serious and that Vision 2030, the economic diversification plan championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with ongoing investments, must continue.

Furthermore, Al Jazeera reported that Saudi authorities have launched an investigation into why the nation's air defences failed to intercept the initial barrage. Citing two regional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the initial inquiry revealed that the Houthis deployed several drones to clear a path before launching a mix of cruise and ballistic missiles toward the airport.

Background

According to Al Jazeera, the ongoing violence stems from the broader conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis are fighting forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government. The Saudi-led coalition has actively conducted an air campaign against the Houthis while supporting ground forces loyal to the government. This renewed escalation unfolds against the backdrop of wider regional tensions sparked by the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Why it matters

For ordinary readers in Pakistan, the developments in Riyadh carry significant implications given the deep economic, cultural, and spiritual ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The disruption of major transportation hubs, commercial closures, and security challenges in the kingdom directly affect the millions of Pakistani expatriates living and working in the region, as well as travelers and pilgrims planning journeys to Saudi Arabia.