Breaking News... Smoke covers Riyadh: Emergency security alert!
Rising smoke in the north of Riyadh has led to extraordinary measures being taken in the diplomatic district. Embassy staff have been warned to retreat to safe areas.
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In the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, the sighting of smoke rising in the northern region around noon today caused significant activity, particularly in the diplomatic area.
Embassies and diplomatic missions operating in the Al Safarat district were issued instructions to "stay where you are and move to safe areas" in the event of a potential threat.
Three separate sources with knowledge of the matter reported that a warning to "maintain your positions and retreat to safe shelters" was sent to diplomatic missions. It was learned that following the incident, diplomatic personnel activated emergency action plans.
While officials noted that this situation in northern Riyadh today was the first security incident of its kind, it was reported that no official statement has been made regarding the source of the rising smoke. Investigations into the details of the incident and potential threat elements are ongoing.