Flames and Black Smoke Seen Near Riyadh Airport After Overnight Alerts

Video and photographs showed a large pillar of black smoke near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with flames visible behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. The airport highway, main terminal and other facilities were visible in the foreground. A journalist in the city’s Olaya district heard booms before Saudi Civil Defence issued an all-clear following overnight danger alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Saudi authorities had not explained the smoke’s cause, reported casualties or detailed any damage when the reports were published.