Air Raid Sirens, Explosions Reported in Saudi Arabia’s Najran

Air raid sirens and multiple explosions were reported in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern Najran province near the Yemeni border following reports of a purported ballistic missile launch by the Yemeni armed forces. Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense issued emergency alerts through the National Early Warning Platform, urging residents to remain calm, stay indoors and avoid filming the incident. Local reports said several blasts were heard in the region, although the exact cause had not immediately been confirmed.

Reports also indicated that flights at Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia were suspended following the reported attacks. Saudi authorities had previously issued warnings for potential threats in Riyadh, Al-Kharj and Farasan. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported missile launches or details about possible casualties or damage.

The reported escalation comes amid the continuing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition launched its military intervention in Yemen in March 2015, accompanied by a blockade and supported politically and militarily by the United States and other Western countries. The conflict has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis and the deaths of tens of thousands of people, according to international organizations.