Saudi Arabia has activated its National Early Warning Platform across several areas as Houthi missile and drone attacks intensify against the kingdom.
Emergency alerts warning of “potential danger” were sent to mobile phones through Saudi Arabia’s cell-broadcast warning system.
The alerts follow attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday which Saudi authorities say injured 13 civilians and damaged seven homes and two vehicles.
Civil Defence subsequently issued the all-clear for six cities – Jeddah, Abha, Jazan, AlUla, Taif and Yanbu – after the immediate danger passed.
Yanbu is one of Saudi Arabia’s major Red Sea oil-export centres.
The escalation comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and increase missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline is already offline following an attack.
The pipeline provides a route for Saudi crude to reach the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude has risen above $108 a barrel amid concerns over Saudi export capacity.
Reports that an emergency security alert specifically covered Makkah city have not yet been independently confirmed. Separate weather warnings are operating in the wider Makkah region.
Sources
- Saudi Civil Defence – National Early Warning Platform
- Arab News – 13 civilians injured after Houthi attacks and alerts issued
- Reuters – Saudi Civil Defence says danger has passed in six cities including Yanbu
- Reuters – Houthis strike Saudi targets anew as Hormuz talks stall
- Saudi National Center for Meteorology – Makkah region
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