Saudi Arabia is experiencing moments of sheer terror, as the whirlwind of war in the Middle East now threatens to destroy everything in its path.
The capital, Riyadh, was transformed into an inferno once again.
The American social media network X was flooded with dramatic appeals from the country's Directorate of Civil Defense.
Despite efforts by the authorities to reassure the public by claiming that the danger has passed, the atmosphere remains electrified.
According to an official statement issued by the spokesperson of the Arab Coalition, Major General Turki al-Malki, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a lethal ballistic missile attack directed at the heart of Saudi Arabia.
Although military forces claim that the missile was intercepted, reports from the front describe a completely out-of-control situation.
CNN Türk foreign news editor Mehmet Şimşek reported that national emergency platforms were activated while sirens wailed throughout Riyadh.
As the journalist revealed, the capital is undergoing a literally comprehensive and unprecedented attack, with Arab forces openly acknowledging that the missile strikes are extremely intense and ongoing.
The utter terror prevailing on the ground was also conveyed in a live broadcast by journalist Metin Mutanoğlu.
He described the moment when three massive explosions shook Riyadh, noting that the sound was so thunderous that it could be heard across tens of kilometers, reminiscent of total devastation caused by the launch of ballistic missiles.
Yemeni Army: We targeted Riyadh airport and the Khamis Mushait base
According to the Tasnim International News Agency, Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, stated that Yemeni forces struck King Khalid Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile, claiming that the strike was precise.
As he stated, the Armed Forces of Yemen also struck the Khamis Mushait military base with an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), as part of a separate operation.
Yahya Saree added: «We warn once again all international airlines, as well as experts, personnel, and passengers across the entire world, of the dangers involved in flying to Saudi Arabian airports. These airports are not safe, with the exception of the airports and airspace of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina».
Mohammed bin Salman panicked
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is moving between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers as Houthi attacks against the kingdom intensify, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on October 12, citing officials familiar with his movements.
The 41-year-old crown prince is also protected by a personally selected security team, according to the report, which notes that his last public appearance was on October 6, when he donated blood as part of a national blood donation campaign.
The tightening of security measures marks a sharp reversal from previous assurances by Saudi officials that the threat from the Houthis was under control.
The group has expanded its attacks to airports and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the kingdom's vulnerability despite its years-long military involvement in Yemen.
At least one Houthi missile struck Riyadh international airport on October 10, causing the death of at least 12 people and injuring hundreds. Another attack struck the airport the following day.
Previous attacks had targeted the country's main oil pipeline, which connects eastern to western Saudi Arabia and allows the country to transport crude oil to the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi officials had underestimated the threat posed by the Houthis. Saudi intelligence services had indications that Iran was actively pressuring the organization to engage in the war. However, some officials estimated that the Houthis had already suffered significant military losses from attacks by the United States and Israel the previous year and that they would make decisions based on their own interests rather than the goals of Tehran, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The conflict now threatens to undermine bin Salman's efforts to establish tourism and international investment as key pillars of the Saudi economy.
An international investment conference scheduled for the end of the month is now in doubt, while the cost of the war has widened the fiscal deficit and increased the risk of economic contraction.
Foreign investment declined during the first two quarters of the year, while rising defense and infrastructure spending threatens to divert resources from the crown prince's economic diversification program. Several major projects have been suspended or placed under review.
The Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia now expects the economy to contract by approximately 3.6% by the end of the year, according to the report.
bin Salman has sought closer ties with President Donald Trump, including through a commitment to invest approximately 1 trillion dollars in the United States. Washington, however, has so far resisted Saudi requests for military assistance aimed at halting the Houthi advance, although it has dispatched military advisers.
Riyadh has turned to Pakistan for support, is seeking air defense systems from abroad, and is considering the recruitment of foreign fighters to support its allies in Yemen, while simultaneously exploring diplomatic channels to contain the conflict, the report states.
Meanwhile, Turkey, which has signed the Mecca defense pact, has ruled out assuming an offensive role, while reports of possible involvement by Syria remain unconfirmed.
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