Edward Marchesi On Saturday night, the sky above Riyadh International Airport filled with flames and a plume of black smoke, attracting the attention of observers on the ground or via satellite. According to images released, the plume appeared to be rising right next to the runways, suggesting a possible fire in a tanker belonging to Aramco.
The FlightRadar24 portal immediately reported the maximum level of disruption: cancelled flights, long delays and an entire air traffic zone temporarily closed.
American alert and Swiss response
In response to the explosion, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued an urgent advisory to all U.S. citizens in Israel . The notice urged heightened vigilance, considering possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.
The note, without directly mentioning the events in Saudi Arabia, was intended to prepare travelers for possible sudden changes in flight routes.
Meanwhile, the Swiss FDFA published a statement on its X profile expressing Switzerland's deep concern about the attacks against the Saudi kingdom. The statement warned that such actions pose a serious threat to the civilian population and could trigger further regional escalation, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize diplomatic dialogue.
Houthi claims and the expansion of the campaign
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed on Telegram two " successful " operations conducted with a large number of ballistic missiles , cruise missiles, and drones. The first targeted "sensitive sites" in the Saudi capital, while the second struck Aramco facilities in Yanbu . The Houthis justified the attacks as a response to Saudi attempts to strike the Yemeni capital of Sana'a . The message also emphasized that the offensive now extends beyond its traditional focus on oil infrastructure and military bases in the south of the Kingdom.
An earlier incident on Friday in Ta'if involved an Italian Eurofighter parked at the base, a sign that the war is becoming international. A Houthi government official in Sana'a, however, reassured Rome that there is no intention of dragging Italy into a direct conflict.
Death toll in Yemen
Meanwhile, clashes in southern Yemen have killed at least 48 people in just 24 hours: 17 government soldiers and 31 Houthi fighters. The rebels maintain control of strategic areas along the Red Sea coast, while Saudi military strikes have failed to halt their advance. Despite ongoing aggression, the United States has yet to announce direct military intervention; President Donald Trump has rejected Saudi Arabia's request for air support, preferring to keep diplomatic channels open.
This escalation marks the first time the Saudi capital has suffered a direct airstrike since hostilities with the Houthis resumed in July. Warnings have also been issued in other regions of the Kingdom, but no casualties or significant material damage have been reported in Riyadh so far.