aerial threat alert after explosion heard in Riyadh Issued by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts across the kingdom, including in Riyadh, late Friday and early Saturday, warning of a "hostile aerial threat".

At least one explosion was heard in the Saudi capital, while Iran reported the execution of a man convicted of spying for Israel.

Elsewhere in the region, the UN Security Council condemned Houthi missile attacks, two men were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, and more than 280,000 children in the enclave were reported to be studying in tents and damaged classrooms.

Pakistan and Iran also discussed energy supplies and shipping safety, while authorities in Iran and Turkiye took separate legal and regulatory steps linked to domestic rules and pressure on Tehran.

In Saudi Arabia, authorities later lifted the alerts and no casualties or damage were reported.

The Saudi government did not say what caused the alerts or the explosions, but it has previously reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The alert in Riyadh was the first in the capital since the latest escalation with the Houthis.

Late Friday, the UN Security Council said the Houthis' military escalation, attacks and threats "risk further expanding the conflict, threatening maritime security and international trade," and undermining efforts to secure peace in Yemen.