On Thursday night, Saudi civil defense officials issued an early warning alert in Riyadh, after which residents reported hearing loud explosions, according to media reports.
Xinhua, the state‑run news agency, confirmed that the early warning alert was followed by “loud booms” reported in the capital city. The agency reported the incidents as being observed by local media but did not identify a source or reason for the sounds.
According to Xinhua, the warning alert was issued by the Saudi civil defense, but no further details were provided regarding the trigger of the alert or the nature of the explosions.
Media reports have not yet released additional commentary or analysis on what caused the explosions or why the alert was issued, and authorities have not issued follow‑up statements to clarify the situation.
With no further explanation from the civil defense or other government officials, residents and observers are left to speculate on the cause of the booms heard across Riyadh during the late‑night alert.
