Middle East

Flames and Black Smoke Rise Near Riyadh Airport After Saudi Aerial-Threat Alert

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of an archival overhead satellite view of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh; it does not depict the September 2026 alert, reported flames or smoke, or their cause, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Saudi Civil Defense sent phone alerts warning of a potential aerial attack in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, then issued an all-clear about 12 minutes later. A journalist heard booms in Riyadh’s Olaya district, while video and photographs showed flames and a large plume of black smoke near King Khalid International Airport. The terminal, airport highway and other facilities were visible, with flames appearing behind structures resembling fuel tanks. Saudi authorities had not identified the cause of the smoke or reported casualties, and the alerts were Riyadh’s first since Houthi attacks intensified in July.

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