Explosions Rock Riyadh: What’s Behind the Recent Attacks on Saudi Arabia?

Recent Explosions in Riyadh Raise Concerns

Residents in the capital of Saudi Arabia have reported hearing multiple explosions recently. These accounts come from individuals who chose to remain anonymous for their safety, with one resident located in the northern part of Riyadh, close to King Khalid International Airport.

The exact cause of these explosions remains uncertain. However, the Saudi civil defense has issued air raid warnings for both Riyadh and the Kharj province, which is situated southeast of the capital. Kharj is significant as it houses the Military Industries Corporation and the Prince Sultan Air Base.

In the past week, the Riyadh airport has faced several deadly assaults, with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen claiming responsibility for these attacks.

This ongoing conflict has seen the Houthis increasingly target airports, military installations, and oil infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. Recently, a fire erupted in an administrative building at a facility run by Saudi Aramco, one of the largest oil companies globally, marking yet another attack on the world's leading oil exporter.

The Houthis have been issuing warnings prior to their strikes on airports and oil facilities, prompting airlines to suspend flights and withdraw aircraft.

This escalation underscores Saudi Arabia's difficulties in intercepting Houthi missiles and drones, as well as the kingdom's push for increased military assistance from allies, including the United States.