Smoke and flames reported near Riyadh airport as Pakistan raises energy supply concerns
Saudi aerial-attack alerts raise fresh fears over Riyadh after reported blasts See what this means for Gulf security, shipping routes, and oil markets
Saudi civil defense issued aerialattack alerts in Riyadh and AlKharj on Saturday after reports of explosions in the Saudi capital, while Reuters later reported smoke and flames near King Khalid International Airport. The cause was not immediately confirmed, and Saudi authorities did not provide an immediate comment.
The report came as Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about keeping energy supplies moving and ensuring safe passage for ships. Pakistan said the discussion also covered broader regional tensions that have affected shipping and trade routes.
The article also noted that Iranbacked Houthi forces have increased attacks on Saudi Arabia and advanced around the Bab elMandeb Strait, a key route for oil shipments. The wider conflict has added pressure to regional energy flows, with crude markets reacting to disruptions in the Middle East.