Dubai, Sept 19: Saudi Arabia issued a series of emergency alerts across the kingdom over what authorities described as a “hostile aerial threat” late Friday and early Saturday, while Iran reported the execution of a man convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
At least one explosion was heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as the alerts were issued. The warning was reportedly the first aerial threat alert heard in Riyadh since the latest escalation involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
No casualties or damage were reported after the alerts were lifted. Saudi authorities did not immediately disclose what triggered the warnings or what caused the reported explosions. The kingdom has previously reported intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthis.
UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attacks
The UN Security Council on Friday condemned the Houthis’ military escalation, including attacks and threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels.
The 15-member council said the attacks risk further expanding the conflict, threatening maritime security and international trade, while undermining regional and international efforts aimed at achieving peace in Yemen.
The council also warned that continued escalation could worsen Yemen’s already severe humanitarian situation.
Members called for “practical cooperation” to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons, military training, financing and other military assistance. They also stressed the need for all countries to enforce the UN arms embargo against the group.
Iran Executes Man Convicted of Spying for Israel
Meanwhile, Iran’s state television reported on Saturday that a man identified as Hossein Pedram had been executed after being convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
According to the report, Pedram was accused of providing Israel with classified information about “sensitive military sites” in Iran’s Isfahan province. The report did not specify how he allegedly obtained the information.
Pedram was reportedly arrested after several of the sites, including missile bases, were targeted during a 12-day air war involving the United States, Israel and Iran in June last year.
The latest execution comes amid growing international criticism from human rights organisations over an increase in executions in Iran.
