Saudi Arabia issued a brief emergency warning in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid escalating attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi group.
For the first time during the latest Middle East escalation, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued an emergency alert warning of possible hostile aerial activity in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.
The alert advised residents and visitors to move indoors or to safe locations and remain away from windows, doors and other exposed areas until the danger had passed. Similar warnings were issued in the governorates of Jeddah and Taif.
Saudi authorities later announced that the immediate danger had passed, and the alerts were lifted within minutes. The development nevertheless triggered concern because of Mecca’s religious importance and the potential threat to civilians and worshippers.
Saudi Authorities Intercept Drone Near Mecca
According to Saudi-led coalition officials, air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it entered the city’s restricted airspace.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki described the security of Mecca, Medina and Muslim pilgrims as a “red line” and warned that necessary deterrent measures could follow.
Saudi officials said the incident represented the second reported Houthi attempt to target the area, following a ballistic missile incident in 2017. However, Houthi representatives denied targeting Mecca or any Islamic holy site, calling the allegations misinformation.
OIC Condemns Reported Attacks
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it described as “heinous attacks” by the Houthis against the Mecca and Medina regions.
The organisation said attacks threatening civilians, holy sites and mosques were unacceptable. It expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported measures taken by Riyadh to protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and religious sites.
The OIC also described attacks on civilian infrastructure and holy places as acts of terrorism, while calling for the protection of worshippers and civilians.
OIC Condemns Reported Attacks
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it described as “heinous attacks” by the Houthis against the Mecca and Medina regions.
The organisation said attacks threatening civilians, holy sites and mosques were unacceptable. It expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported measures taken by Riyadh to protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and religious sites.
The OIC also described attacks on civilian infrastructure and holy places as acts of terrorism, while calling for the protection of worshippers and civilians.
Regional Tensions Continue to Grow
The latest developments have pushed Saudi Arabia deeper into the wider regional conflict, with threats extending beyond military targets to civilian areas and strategic infrastructure.
While the immediate alert in Mecca was withdrawn, the incident underlined the sensitivity of any security threat near Islam’s most important religious site.
Saudi authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to follow official emergency instructions and avoid spreading unverified information. The situation remains closely watched as regional tensions and Houthi attacks continue to shape the security outlook across the Arabian Peninsula.
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