Saudi Arabia Activates Mecca Emergency Alert Amid Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia activated its national emergency alert system in the holy city of Mecca for the first time on Tuesday, warning residents of a potential danger amid escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alert, issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, urged residents to seek shelter and avoid open areas. Similar warnings were subsequently lifted in several other cities, including Jeddah, Taif, Abha, and Khamis Mushait. The Saudi Civil Defense confirmed the activation of the alert in Mecca but did not specify the nature of the threat. Residents were instructed to move to the nearest safe place inside a building or an interior room away from windows and to remain indoors until the danger passed. The authority later stated the danger had passed, though it advised people to continue avoiding gatherings and refrain from filming. The alerts followed a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. On Monday, September 14, at least 13 civilians were injured in missile and drone strikes targeting the southern cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, according to Colonel Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition.