Flames reported near Riyadh airport amid regional tensions and energy supply concerns
Saudi civil defense issued alerts for potential aerial attacks in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, with reports of smoke and flames later observed near the capital's main airport. The cause remains unconfirmed as of now. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged Iran to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies during a call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. This comes amid escalating tensions involving Houthi forces in Yemen, who have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and advanced near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. recently approved a $24.3 billion arms deal to sell 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, signaling continued military support for the kingdom during heightened regional conflict. Brent crude oil prices have surged by 72% since early 2026 due to disrupted energy flows through key Middle Eastern chokepoints like Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. A recent drone attack damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, further complicating export routes.
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Topics: Houthi attacks Middle East conflict Pakistan-Iran diplomacy Saudi Arabia security alerts