Saudi Arabia clears alerts after smoke appears near Riyadh airport from reported Houthi-linked incident in most dangerous countries
Multiple armed conflicts continue across several countries in the most dangerous countries, with reports of drone interceptions, soldier deaths in clashes with Houthis, Houthi attacks triggering alerts and smoke near Riyadh airport, and Indonesian forces pursuing Papuan separatists after a civilian driver was killed.
Ongoing Clashes in Sudan
The Sudanese army downed an RSF drone over Kurmuk town in Blue Nile state. [1] The military says the aircraft was intercepted over Kurmuk town. [1] No casualties were reported among its forces. [1] The interception occurred as part of ongoing efforts by the Sudanese army to counter threats from the RSF. [1] Sudanese army statements emphasize that the drone was successfully brought down without any harm to army personnel. [1]
Yemeni Army Losses Against Houthis
Yemen’s army reported that 13 soldiers were killed in fighting with Houthis in Taiz and Lahj. [2] The army-affiliated Tur al-Bahah Military Axis stated that the soldiers were killed over two days of clashes. [2] Fighting has intensified across several fronts. [2] Yemen’s army says the deaths occurred amid broader escalation in the provinces of Taiz and Lahj. [2] The Tur al-Bahah Military Axis confirmed the toll from the two-day period of intensified combat. [2]
Yemeni soldiers killed in clashes with Houthis in Taiz and Lahj provinces. — Source: anadolu
Houthi Attacks Reach Saudi Capital
Smoke rose near Riyadh’s main airport after Saudi authorities issued and then cleared alerts for potential aerial attacks linked to Houthi escalation. [4] A large plume of smoke was visible near Riyadh's main airport on Saturday after booms were heard. [4] Saudi Arabia sent alerts overnight warning of potential danger around the capital amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen's Houthi group. [4] Reuters video and photographs showed a huge pillar of black smoke rising in the area with the airport highway, main terminal building and other facilities in the foreground. [4] At one point flames were visible rising from behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. [4] Saudi civil defence sent the alerts by phone overnight for potential danger of aerial attacks in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital before issuing an all-clear on Saturday morning. [4] A Reuters journalist in Riyadh's Olaya area heard booms before the all-clear was sent. [4] Although some alerts had been issued in Riyadh this year after the start of the US-Iran war these were the first since the escalation began with the Houthis in July. [4] The Houthis who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north have been launching attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July with strikes targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. [4] The attacks have targeted Saudi cities energy infrastructure and shipping creating new threats to global oil supplies and putting at risk the main alternative Red Sea route for Gulf exports while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded. [4] On Friday Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had foiled unspecified criminal attempts in the Yemeni capital Sanaa blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing a response. [4] The Iran-aligned group which seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast in a lightning advance this month says the Saudi Air Force has conducted hundreds of airstrikes against it in recent days. [4]
Separatist Attack and Military Response in Papua
Indonesian military is hunting OPM separatists who killed a civilian driver in Highland Papua after stopping his truck and setting it on fire. [3] The Indonesian military is pursuing members of the separatist Free Papua Movement suspected of killing a civilian driver in Highland Papua. [3] The military is strengthening security and pursuing those responsible for the attack. [3] The TNI Information Office Head Major General Muhammad Nas said the operation reflects the military's commitment to protecting national sovereignty while ensuring the safety of communities in the region. [3] The TNI would also prevent groups seeking separation from Indonesia from dividing communities in Papua. [3] The TNI remains committed to defending the state protecting national territory and ensuring public safety. [3] The TNI's Habema Operations Command identified the OPM's Kodap III Ndugama faction as responsible for the fatal attack on driver Aris Sanda. [3] Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna a Habema Operations Command spokesman said the incident occurred early Tuesday Sept. 15 when an armed group stopped Sanda's pickup truck. [3] Sanda was transporting passengers from Wamena to Mbua when the group searched his vehicle and ordered the passengers to return to Wamena. [3] The attackers detained Sanda a native of Toraja South Sulawesi Province and forced him to walk toward Lake Habema. [3] Military personnel launched a search on Wednesday Sept. 16 after receiving reports that Sanda had been abducted. [3] The team later found a burned vehicle and Sanda's body. [3] His remains were then evacuated while the cause of death remains under investigation. [3] The military will continue pursuing the armed groups and support law enforcement in accordance with regulations to prevent further casualties and improve public security. [3]
International Condemnation of Houthi Actions
The UN Security Council in a statement on Friday condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including attacks impacting civilian and energy infrastructure which have resulted in the injury of civilians including women and children. [4] In the statement the Security Council also condemned Houthi military escalation in Yemen. [4]
What to watch next: Yemen’s army says 13 soldiers were killed over two days of clashes as fighting intensifies across several fronts while the Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi vessels cities energy infrastructure and shipping since declaring a naval blockade in July.
