Saudi Arabia issues civil defence alerts for Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu and Tabuk; flags 'potential danger'

Saudi Arabia’s civil defence authorities on Thursday issued alerts warning of potential danger in the holy city of Mecca, the northwestern area of Tabuk and the Red Sea areas of Jeddah and Yanbu, urging residents to exercise caution and follow official instructions, according to a report by Reuters.

The alerts also covered the southern area of Taif and were the first such warnings issued by Saudi authorities on Thursday.

The nature of the potential danger was not immediately clear.

Houthi attacks have raised regional risks

The alerts come against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran and Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthi movement.

On September 9, Houthi forces attacked energy facilities and cities in Saudi Arabia, with at least 73 people reported wounded across four cities in the south of the kingdom, according to Reuters. Fires broke out at some energy facilities, while Saudi emergency and firefighting teams responded to the attacks.

The attacks followed warnings from Iran that energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including US oil and gas interests, could be vulnerable amid escalating hostilities. The Houthis control much of northern Yemen and the country's most populous areas.

The group had also been targeting vessels in and around the Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, Reuters reported. Disruptions to Red Sea shipping have added to concerns over regional energy supplies, alongside restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi vowed to confront Houthi threat

Following the September 9 attacks, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it would take “all necessary operational measures” to deter the Houthis and confront their attacks, according to Reuters.

Saudi Energy Ministry officials said fires had erupted at some energy facilities following the strikes, with emergency teams deployed to contain them.

The September 9 attacks were part of a broader cycle of regional escalation involving Iran, Israel, the United States and Iran-backed groups. Iran has maintained missile and drone capabilities that can threaten shipping and Gulf states hosting US military facilities, Reuters reported.

The latest civil defence alerts do not, however, specify whether Thursday’s warnings are linked to any new attack or threat.