Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued an unprecedented aerial threat alert for several cities along its western coast on Tuesday, including the holy cities of Mecca and Jeddah, as well as Taif. This historic warning, particularly for Mecca, came amidst a recent escalation of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
For a brief period, residents in these regions were advised to follow official instructions via the National Early Warning Platform. The alerts were subsequently lifted, with the Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence posting on X (formerly Twitter) that "The danger has passed in Mecca City," while urging continued adherence to safety guidelines.
Escalating Houthi Aggression
The alerts were triggered a day after Houthi forces launched a significant assault involving ballistic missiles and drones from Yemen, reportedly wounding 13 people in Saudi Arabia. Air traffic bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina was also temporarily halted.
In response, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Saudi military units had earlier struck targets near the city of Taiz in Yemen. The Houthis, however, rejected Saudi-led coalition reports of shooting down a drone heading towards Mecca. A Houthi official, Hazem al-Assad, dismissed these claims as a "worn-out lie" and affirmed that their "Yemeni response will continue and escalate as long as they (Saudi Arabia) persist in their aggression against our people."
Deepening Conflict and Regional Impact
This week saw the Houthis execute their heaviest missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia in years, resulting in oil sites catching fire and 73 injuries. The group also claimed a new large-scale attack on King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia.
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces reignited in July, following the Houthis' declaration of a maritime blockade against Riyadh and subsequent attacks on its shipping vessels in the Red Sea. This renewed flare-up threatens a crucial Red Sea trade route, prompting international concern.
International Reactions
- Qatar warned of dire consequences if the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital shipping lane, were to be closed, calling such an event "catastrophic for the entire world."
- US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected a request from the Saudi crown prince for intervention in the war, noting that the Houthis had previously asked the US not to get involved.
The recent alerts in western Saudi cities, the disruption to air travel, and the ongoing exchanges between the warring factions underscore the increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia as the conflict intensifies and threatens broader regional stability.