King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh came under attack as the Houthis launched missiles and drones toward targets in the city. Footage from the area showed a fire and thick black smoke rising from a fuel storage facility inside the airport.
Fire breaks out at airport fuel facility
Images and video footage released after the attack showed a large column of black smoke rising from the fuel storage area at King Khalid International Airport.
In a description of images it published from the site, Reuters said the smoke was rising from a fuel depot at King Khalid International Airport. Fuel tanks bearing the Aramco logo were also visible in the area.
Aircraft-fuel storage facilities at the airport appeared to have been hit during the attack, while emergency teams worked to bring the fire under control.
Houthis claim responsibility for the attack
The Houthis announced that they had carried out operations targeting sites in Riyadh with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operations included targets in the Saudi capital and also announced that Aramco facilities in the Red Sea coastal city of Yanbu had been targeted.
Warnings of an aerial threat in Riyadh
Before the attack, Saudi authorities sent warnings to residents in Riyadh and the al-Kharj area about a possible aerial threat.
Explosions were heard in the capital during the warning period before the authorities later announced that the immediate danger had passed.
Footage circulated after the attack showed flames and columns of smoke near King Khalid International Airport facilities. Saudi authorities have not yet issued comprehensive details on the extent of the damage to the facility.
