Houthis claim responsibility for Riyadh attack as Turkey announces ‘Mecca Pact’ activation

Following the attacks on Saturday, September 19, fires and thick plumes of smoke were seen near the capital’s main airport. Saudi authorities had earlier issued overnight warnings about potential threats in high-risk areas of Riyadh

Videos and photographs showed huge clouds of black smoke rising into the sky, with roads, the main terminal building and other facilities visible in the background. Flames were also seen rising from behind fuel storage tanks.

The Iran-backed Houthis said they had also attacked a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu, a Red Sea port city. The group said the attacks were carried out in response to strikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

The Houthis did not specify the target of the Riyadh attack. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the group said an incoming Houthi missile targeting Riyadh was intercepted by air defence systems early Saturday.

Saudi Civil Defence sent overnight alerts warning of potential air attacks in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, located east of the capital. The authorities later issued an all-clear on Saturday morning. A Reuters journalist in Riyadh’s Olaya district reported hearing explosions before the alert was lifted.

The Houthis have been carrying out attacks against Saudi Arabia since announcing a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and maritime transport have been among the reported targets, raising concerns over global oil supplies and shipping routes through the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saudi Arabia might need military assistance because of the ongoing Houthi attacks. He said Turkey was ready to support Saudi Arabia under a trilateral defence agreement that also includes Pakistan.

The exact nature of any potential Turkish assistance remains unclear. Fidan told broadcaster NTV that Saudi Arabia was facing serious attacks on its territorial integrity and sovereignty and that the agreement provided for the formation of an alliance.

The three countries signed the so-called “Mecca Defence Pact” last month. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all three.