2 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia Warns Mecca Amid Rising Houthi Missile Threat
Saudi Arabia briefly warned people in Mecca and several other areas about a possible missile or drone danger.
The warnings were sent through the country’s National Early Warning Platform.
They were lifted a few minutes later.
People were told to move indoors and stay away from windows and open spaces.
Drivers were told to stop safely away from bridges and tall buildings.
The warnings came as Yemen’s Houthis have increased attacks toward Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia said an earlier drone had targeted Mecca, but the Houthis denied that accusation.
The Saudi-led coalition also said it stopped six missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu.
The alerts show that tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are continuing to rise.
Saudi Arabia issued brief warnings for Mecca and several other regions over a potential missile or drone threat.
Alerts also covered Yanbu, Taif, Jeddah and Tabuk, but were lifted minutes later.
The warning was reportedly the second alert involving Mecca this month.
Saudi authorities said recent alerts have often preceded attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthis.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu, while the Houthis denied an earlier accusation of targeting Mecca.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense and the Saudi-led coalition; Yemen’s Houthis were identified as the alleged source of the threat.
- What
- Authorities issued temporary alerts over a possible missile or drone attack and the coalition reported intercepting six ballistic missiles.
- Where
- Mecca, Yanbu, Taif, Jeddah and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The alerts were issued on Thursday and lifted minutes later; the reports described them as the second Mecca warning this month.
- Why
- The alerts followed an increase in Houthi attacks and reported strikes or attempted strikes against Saudi territory and vessels.
Saudi Authorities’ Account
Houthi Position
Responsibility for the Mecca incident
Saudi Authorities’ Account
Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca with a drone that was intercepted.
Houthi Position
The Houthis denied targeting Mecca.
Current military threat
Saudi Authorities’ Account
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted six ballistic missiles launched toward Taif and Yanbu and warned that Houthi escalations would be dealt with firmly.
Houthi Position
The reports do not include a Houthi response to the coalition’s claim about the six missiles.
Wider escalation
Saudi Authorities’ Account
Saudi authorities and the coalition describe the alerts as occurring amid increased Houthi attacks against Saudi territory and vessels.
Houthi Position
The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and have continued attacks, according to the reports.
Key facts
- Alert locations
- Mecca, Yanbu, Taif, Jeddah and Tabuk
- Alert duration
- The warnings were lifted a few minutes after being issued.
- Threat type
- Potential missile or drone attack
- Mecca warning frequency
- The alert was described as the second similar warning involving Mecca this month.
- Coalition claim
- The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu.
- Public guidance
- People were told to move indoors, avoid windows and open spaces, and follow official updates.
- Emergency numbers
- Residents were told to call 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 998 elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
Quotes
National Early Warning Platform
Saudi emergency warning system that issued the alert
“A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Mecca City to alert of a potential danger”
firstpost.com
livemint.com
“Escalations and violations by the terrorist Houthi militia will be dealt with firmly”
livemint.com
Sources
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