Fresh alert in Mecca, Jeddah, Tabuk as Saudi Arabia faces new Houthi missile threat

Saudi Arabia placed Mecca and other cities on alert over a potential Houthi missile threat. The warning came days after a similar emergency, before authorities later issued an all-clear in some areas.

In Short

• Civil Defence flagged potential danger across Mecca and several Saudi cities
• Residents were told to stay indoors, away from windows and glass
• People outside were advised to shelter behind sturdy structures immediately

The holy city of Mecca was put on alert again Thursday as Saudi Arabia confronted another wave of Houthi missile threat, with emergency warnings extending across several major parts of the kingdom.

The Saudi Civil Defence warned of a "potential danger" in Mecca and issued similar alerts for Jeddah, Yanbu and Tabuk. People were told to remain inside buildings, preferably away from windows and glass, while those caught outdoors were advised to seek shelter behind solid structures.

The latest alert came less than a week after Saudi Arabia placed Mecca under an emergency warning on September 18. The Houthis denied allegations that they had attempted to attack the holy city.

Authorities later issued an all-clear for Mecca, Taif and Tabuk, but urged residents to continue following official instructions.

"A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Mecca City to alert of a potential danger," the Civil Defence said in a post. Residents were advised to remain inside buildings, preferably away from windows and glass. Those outdoors were told to move into a nearby building or take cover behind a solid barrier.

Authorities also warned people to stay away from open spaces, balconies and rooftops. They were asked to avoid gatherings and refrain from filming the situation.

The alerts covered Mecca and Taif in western Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea port city of Yanbu farther north, Jeddah and the northwestern province of Tabuk.

The warnings were later lifted.

In separate all-clear notices, Saudi Civil Defence said the danger had passed in Mecca, Taif and Tabuk. Residents were nevertheless told to continue following official instructions and avoid gathering or filming.

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