ISLAMABAD – Saudi Arabia emergency alerts were issued for several cities on Tuesday as the security situation worsened following a new wave of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group.
The Saudi Civil Defense activated warnings through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergency Cases, urging residents to remain calm and move to safe locations.
The alerts covered Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Jazan, Yanbu and Al Ula, according to reports from Saudi authorities and regional media. The Civil Defense later said the danger had passed in the affected areas.
There is some variation in early reports about the locations mentioned in the alerts. While some reports referred to Makkah in connection with emergency guidance, the latest confirmed list from Saudi Civil Defense and regional reporting names six cities and does not list Makkah itself as an alerted city.
Saudi Arabia Emergency Alerts Issued
The emergency warnings came amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Residents receiving the alerts were told to immediately seek shelter inside buildings or move to interior rooms away from windows.
People were also advised to stay away from open areas, balconies and rooftops. Those who were outdoors were instructed to enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier.
Motorists were advised to pull over safely and remain away from bridges and high-rise buildings if they received an alert while driving.
The Civil Defense also urged people to follow official instructions and avoid gathering or filming during emergency situations.
13 Civilians Injured In Houthi Attacks
The warnings followed attacks on Monday targeting several Saudi cities.
Saudi-led coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones at civilian areas in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.
The attacks injured 13 civilians, with the injuries described as minor to moderate.
Seven residential homes and two vehicles were also damaged, according to the coalition.
The coalition accused the Houthis of deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and said it would take measures to deter further attacks.
Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The latest attacks are part of a wider escalation involving Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen.
The Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi targets as fighting in Yemen has increased after a period of relative calm.
On Monday, Houthi forces also claimed a large-scale missile and drone operation targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait.
The group has threatened to expand its operations against Saudi Arabia as the conflict continues to escalate.
Previous Saudi Attacks Left More Than 70 Injured
The latest incident follows another major wave of Houthi attacks earlier this month.
According to regional reports, attacks on September 8 left at least 73 people injured in several Saudi cities.
The earlier attacks targeted areas including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Saudi authorities also reported attacks on energy-sector facilities in the Kingdom’s southern region.
The repeated attacks have increased concerns about the security of Saudi cities and critical infrastructure.
Emergency Alerts Later Lifted
Saudi Civil Defense subsequently announced that the immediate danger had passed in the cities covered by the latest warnings.
Reuters reported that the all-clear was issued for Jeddah, Abha, Jazan, AlUla, Taif and Yanbu, while authorities continued urging residents to follow official safety instructions.
The lifting of the alerts does not indicate that the wider security situation has been resolved.
Authorities continue to monitor developments and have urged residents to rely on official channels for further information.
Rising Regional Tensions
The latest escalation comes as the conflict in Yemen becomes increasingly connected to wider regional tensions.
The Houthis have expanded their military activity while fighting has intensified along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group has also threatened Saudi interests and infrastructure.
The developments have raised concerns beyond Saudi Arabia because the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb are important routes for international shipping and energy supplies.
For now, Saudi authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance as the threat from further missile and drone attacks remains a concern.
Key Points :
- Saudi Arabia emergency alerts were issued for six cities on Tuesday.
- The confirmed cities included Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Jazan, Yanbu and AlUla.
- The warnings came after Houthi missile and drone attacks.
- 13 civilians were injured in Monday’s attacks.
- Seven homes and two vehicles were reportedly damaged.
- Saudi Civil Defense later announced that the immediate danger had passed.
- Residents were urged to seek shelter and follow official instructions.
- The latest attacks come amid a broader escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
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