Saudi Arabia Issues Second Threat Alert for Mecca in a Month
RIYADH, — Saudi Civil Defense issued a “potential threat” alert Thursday for Mecca, along with Jeddah, Taif, Tabuk and Yanbu — the type of warning typically signaling a possible missile threat. The alerts were lifted within minutes.Civil Defense urged residents to stay calm, avoid windows and open areas, and shelter in safe locations until the…
RIYADH, — Saudi Civil Defense issued a “potential threat” alert Thursday for Mecca, along with Jeddah, Taif, Tabuk and Yanbu — the type of warning typically signaling a possible missile threat. The alerts were lifted within minutes.
Civil Defense urged residents to stay calm, avoid windows and open areas, and shelter in safe locations until the threat passed, directing people to call 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 998 elsewhere in the kingdom.
It marks the second such alert in less than a month. Last week, Saudi Arabia accused Houthi rebels of targeting Mecca with a drone that was shot down; the Houthis denied the claim.
The tensions come amid renewed fighting between Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government during Iran’s war with the United States. The Houthis have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and seized strategic coastal areas near the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis.
