This is a locator map for Saudi Arabia with its capital, Riyadh. (AP Photo)

CAIRO - Several explosions were heard in Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh on Thursday, including a large blast at the city's international airport, a witness told The Associated Press, a day after the kingdom said an attack on the airport killed one person and wounded others.

The blasts had an immediate effect on markets and oil prices as the price of crude jumped, and Saudi Arabia slid further into the latest front in the Iran war.


Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for the new attack on King Khalid International Airport, saying the ballistic missile caused damage but giving no evidence. The Saudis had no immediate comment about the claim.

The spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, said they intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh, along with a ballistic missile fired toward Khamis Mushait, in the southwest near the Yemen border.

The Houthis have repeatedly claimed attacks against Saudi airports, military and oil facilities in recent days. Early Thursday, the rebels warned global airlines  for the last time  about the potential consequences of operating in Saudi airspace, which it called a theater for its military operations.

In their new statement, the Houthis also warned people in Saudi Arabia to stay away from oil facilities that  represent targets for our forces  as the rebels press a blockade they recently imposed against the world's top oil exporter.

Witness says travelers were told to leave luggage and go

King Khalid International Airport  closed again,  the Flightradar24 monitor said Thursday afternoon on X not long after the blasts.  Last landing 80+ minutes ago. Last take off 90+ minutes ago. 

Fire and ambulance crews deployed and smoke was visible, the witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The witness said outgoing flights were halted and passengers were instructed to leave che
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