RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s capital experienced an unusually tense night after authorities issued repeated warnings to residents over a potential threat in Riyadh and the surrounding area.
The Saudi Civil Defense activated the National Early Warning Platform and instructed residents to take precautionary measures, including moving to safe locations and following official safety guidance.
Residents were advised to stay away from open areas, windows, balconies and rooftops. People who were outside were told to enter the nearest secure building or seek protection behind a solid barrier.
Authorities also urged residents to avoid gatherings and refrain from filming or approaching locations where unusual activity or security incidents were taking place.
The warnings came amid heightened regional tensions and a series of attacks and security incidents involving Saudi Arabia in recent days. However, authorities did not immediately provide detailed information about the specific threat that prompted the Riyadh alerts.
Early Saturday, Saudi Civil Defense announced that the danger had passed in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, while emphasizing that residents should continue following official safety instructions and remain alert.
The authorities’ warnings were part of broader alerts issued across several parts of Saudi Arabia during the same period. Civil Defense urged citizens and residents to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports or videos.
The developments have heightened concern in the capital, where residents reported hearing explosions during the night. Reuters reported that two explosions were heard in the Al Olaya area of Riyadh, although the precise circumstances surrounding the sounds were not immediately clear.
The latest situation comes amid escalating cross-border tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Recent attacks and interceptions have increased security concerns across the kingdom, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance.
Despite the lifting of the immediate warning in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, officials have continued to urge the public to remain cautious and comply with emergency instructions.
Authorities have not announced that the broader security situation has returned fully to normal, and further information is expected as officials assess the incidents and provide additional details.
For now, Saudi authorities are calling on residents to remain calm, avoid unnecessary gatherings, stay away from potentially dangerous locations and obtain information through official channels.
