Smoke near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear amid tensions

A large plume of smoke was observed near Riyadh’s main airport following Saudi Arabia’s issuance of an all-clear alert amid escalating tensions with Yemen’s Houthi group. The incident comes after overnight alerts warned of potential danger around the capital, with recent attacks targeting civilian and economic sites. Reuters video and photographs captured the scene, which included a significant pillar of black smoke rising in the area, raising concerns about the security of nearby Saudi energy infrastructure. The visible smoke and alerts have drawn market attention, as they suggest potential disruptions to Saudi oil operations. The Saudi Oil Pipeline (East-West) market, which gauges the likelihood of a restart by specific dates, shows decreased confidence in a quick resolution. The probability of a restart by September 22 has dropped from 24% to 16%, reflecting increased uncertainty about the security and operational status of Saudi oil facilities. This development is part of a broader pattern of increased activity around Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure, with previous attacks causing temporary shutdowns of airports and energy sites in southern parts of the country. The situation rema...