Thick Smoke Seen Near Riyadh Airport as Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Capital

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

The Houthi movement launched missile and drone strikes near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, causing fires and significant disruptions to airport operations. This attack marks an escalation in the ongoing Saudi-Houthi conflict and prompted rare air raid alerts in Riyadh and other key Saudi cities, highlighting increased threats to critical infrastructure and civilian safety.

Thick plumes of smoke were observed near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday following missile and drone strikes claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement targeting “sensitive” sites in Saudi Arabia’s capital. The incident represents a significant escalation in hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which intensified in July.

Saudi authorities issued air raid alerts to residents of Riyadh and several other cities, including Jeddah and the industrial port of Yanbu, known for its critical oil infrastructure. This marked the first time such alerts were sent to Riyadh residents since the recent escalation of conflict. The alerts were delivered via phone notifications, indicating ongoing security threats from aerial attacks.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing successive explosions throughout parts of Riyadh, accompanied by visible flames and large clouds of black smoke near the airport vicinity. Firefighters tackled a blaze at a fuel tank owned by Saudi oil company Aramco located close to the airport. One local resident described seeing intense fire and smoke in the direction of the airport.

Flight tracking data showed “major problems” at King Khalid International Airport, with the facility experiencing maximum-level disruption as a result of the events. The situation led to operational interruptions at the airport.

The Saudi-led coalition, which has been conducting military operations against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, condemned the attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to combating what it described as hostile actions threatening Saudi territory and critical infrastructure. The Houthis, for their part, claimed responsibility for the missile and drone strikes, emphasizing their capability to target key areas within Saudi Arabia in response to the ongoing conflict.

The exchange of attacks is part of a broader conflict that has persisted for several years, with the Houthis controlling large parts of northern Yemen and frequently launching cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. The latest incidents underscore the volatility of the security situation in the region and the risks posed to civilian areas and vital economic assets.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.