Saudi Arabia Activates Emergency Alert System in Mecca for First Time Amid Escalating Houthi Threat on September 15

Saudi Arabia activated emergency alerts in the holy city of Mecca for the first time on Tuesday September 15, marking a significant escalation in the kingdom's response to intensifying Houthi drone and missile threats, according to the Saudi Civil Defence. The alerts, issued via the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, urged residents to remain calm, follow official instructions, and move to safe locations. Similar alerts were issued early Tuesday for Jeddah and Taif and were lifted shortly afterward. Mecca is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam and the focal point of the annual hajj pilgrimage. The emergency warnings follow repeated Houthi attacks against the kingdom over the past week. At least 13 civilians were injured in a series of missiles and drones launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushayt, Abha, and Taif on Monday, according to Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition. In a statement released Tuesday, al-Maliki condemned the Houthis' heinous and deliberate attacks on civilians in Saudi Arabia, saying the coalition would respond to the attacks firmly to protect the sovereignty of the kingdom and would take all necessary operational measures to deter this escalation. Last week, Houthi attacks injured at least 73 people and led to the temporary halt of operations at some energy facilities. The Iranian-backed Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes and firing cruise missiles in Yemen amid heavy fighting between Houthi fighters and Saudi-aligned government forces in southern and western Yemen.