Rare Air Raid Sirens Sound in Saudi Capital

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Saudi Arabia Ren Haoyu, Global Times Contributing Reporter Ren Zhong] At around 3 a.m. local time on the 19th, the Global Times reporter's phone emitted a piercing alarm sound, and shortly after, two loud explosions were heard, causing the window glass to shake. This was the first time explosions were reported in Riyadh since the recent escalation of conflict between the Houthi forces in Yemen and the Saudi-supported Yemeni government forces. Around noon, explosions were heard again over Riyadh. It was reported that thick smoke rose near King Khalid International Airport, located northeast of Riyadh. The Saudi authorities have not yet released more information regarding these explosions.

Previously, Houthi spokesman Sareea stated on social media on the evening of the 18th that they had thwarted Saudi operations in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a, saying, "Such actions will not go unanswered." After the first explosion was reported in Riyadh, Saudi military strategy expert Hamid posted on social media, saying, "It seems that the strikes in the Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen are quite severe."

According to a report by Saudi Arabia's Al-Arab News on the 19th, the Saudi Civil Defense Authority issued two potential danger alerts in Riyadh and the nearby city of Khurais that day. The first alert was issued at 2:58 a.m., and the second at 5:19 a.m., both of which were quickly lifted. Media outlets such as the Associated Press reported on the 19th that this was the first time such alerts had sounded in Riyadh since the recent escalation of conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi forces in Yemen. On the 16th, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthi forces of using drones to attack Mecca, to which the Houthis rebutted that the claim was a "lie."

Bloomberg reported on the 19th that attacks on oil pipelines and Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have led to a sharp decline in Saudi oil exports. The Houthi forces also stated that they are implementing a blockade on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea and have attacked several ships in that waterway. A Houthi spokesman stated that in response to Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, the organization will continue to launch attacks. 

The BBC reported on the 19th that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed has requested U.S. President Trump to take military action against the Houthi forces. So far, Trump has refused to allow U.S. military involvement directly, instead offering assistance in terms of intelligence and target support.