Saudi Arabia(The COW News Digital) Saudi Arabia issued brief emergency warnings across several regions on Thursday, September 24, including the holy city of Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk, amid heightened security concerns following a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The Saudi Civil Defense activated alerts through the National Early Warning Platform, warning residents and visitors of a “potential danger.” The notices urged people to follow official safety instructions, move away from crowded areas and avoid filming or photographing the situation.
The alerts were issued for Makkah City, Jeddah Governorate, Taif Governorate, Yanbu in the Red Sea region and Tabuk Province. The authorities did not initially disclose the specific nature of the threat behind the warnings.
The warnings were lifted only a short time later, with Saudi Civil Defense confirming that the immediate danger had passed. Officials nevertheless advised residents to remain cautious and continue following official instructions.
The latest alerts came against the backdrop of increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Saudi Arabia has faced a number of missile and drone threats in recent days, with several incidents reported around the kingdom. Last week, Saudi authorities also issued warnings following attacks and attempted attacks attributed to the Houthis.
On Thursday, Saudi air defenses separately intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis, according to Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Al-Maliki said the missiles were intercepted before reaching their intended targets in Taif and Yanbu. Saudi authorities did not immediately report casualties or significant damage resulting from the interceptions.
The latest developments have heightened attention because Makkah is home to Islam’s holiest sites and is visited by large numbers of worshippers throughout the year. Although the emergency alert affecting Makkah and other areas was later cancelled, authorities continued to urge the public to exercise caution and comply with official safety directions.
The September 24 warnings also follow an earlier series of alerts issued in Saudi Arabia last week, when several regions were placed under precautionary warnings amid reported missile and drone activity. Reuters reported that those earlier alerts covered areas including Jeddah and Taif, while Saudi authorities later issued an all-clear.
The situation remains part of a broader escalation involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with recent attacks raising concerns over regional security, civilian safety and critical infrastructure. For now, Saudi authorities have confirmed that the latest danger alerts were lifted, while the interception of six ballistic missiles underscores the continuing security challenges facing the kingdom.
