Saudi Arabia lifts emergency alerts after threat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia briefly activated emergency security alerts across Makkah, Jeddah and Taif on Tuesday after authorities warned of a potential aerial threat. The advisories were lifted shortly after officials determined that the immediate danger had passed.

The warnings were issued through the kingdom’s National Early Warning Platform. Residents and visitors were instructed to remain calm, seek shelter in secure buildings and stay away from open areas, windows and doors. They were also urged to follow directions issued by Saudi Civil Defense.

The alert issued in Makkah drew particular attention as it was the first such warning reported in the holy city since the recent escalation in regional tensions.

Saudi Civil Defense later confirmed that the threat had passed and the emergency alerts covering Makkah, Jeddah and Taif had been cancelled. Authorities, however, advised people to remain vigilant, avoid gatherings and refrain from recording or photographing security-related incidents.

The warnings came a day after Saudi Arabia reported a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. Saudi authorities said the attacks targeted areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, leaving at least 13 people injured.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki condemned the attacks, describing them as deliberate assaults on civilians. He said the kingdom would take necessary operational measures to protect its sovereignty and deter further escalation.

The latest security alerts follow a broader wave of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. Earlier strikes reportedly targeted Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, causing casualties and temporarily disrupting operations at some energy facilities.