Saudi Arabia evacuates Riyadh airport after reported explosion as Houthi threats grow

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was evacuated Saturday following reports of an attack, with witnesses reporting an explosion, as Saudi Arabia escalates support for Yemeni government forces against Houthi rebels. Three witnesses told AFP of the evacuation, with one hearing an explosion while waiting to board. Airport authorities advised passengers to confirm flights before traveling, following earlier strikes this week that killed three Saudis, including a pilot, claimed by Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis, who have encircled government forces in Taiz and control Red Sea coastline, threatened aircraft over Saudi airspace Friday. The conflict, tied to a wider regional conflagration since February, disrupts global energy markets through Red Sea shipping attacks and Gulf oil supply pressures.