RIYADH, Sept 19 — Explosions were heard in Riyadh today, an AFP journalist reported, after an air raid alert was issued by Saudi Arabian authorities, who have been regularly targeted in recent days by attacks from pro-Iranian Houthis in Yemen.

“The area is under a hostile aerial threat,” a message received by residents of the Saudi capital read.

This is the first time the capital has been directly affected since the conflict in neighbouring Yemen intensified in July. — AFP