Air Raid Sirens Sound in Mecca for First Time Amid Houthi Missile and Drone Threats
Air raid sirens were reportedly sounded in Mecca for the first time after Houthi rebels launched drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, prompting emergency warnings across several cities, including Mecca, Jeddah and Taif.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense issued aerial attack warnings across several key urban areas along the country’s western coast, including the holy city of Mecca. Emergency alerts were also issued through the country’s National Early Warning Platform for Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Jizan and Yanbu, a major Red Sea oil-export hub.
Amid the security situation, flights to and from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. Authorities lifted the emergency measures shortly after the incoming threat was intercepted.
The Saudi Civil Defense Directorate said on X that the immediate danger in Mecca had passed. Authorities urged residents to follow safety instructions, avoid gatherings in public places and refrain from recording or sharing footage of defence operations.
The reported attacks have further heightened regional tensions, with Houthi forces carrying out drone and ballistic missile operations against Saudi military and energy infrastructure.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for a major attack on the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia, using long-range weapons launched from Yemen.
In response, Saudi forces and allied Yemeni government forces reportedly carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi positions near the city of Taiz.
Houthi representatives have strongly denied allegations that the group deliberately targeted Mecca. Senior Houthi leader Hazem Al-Asad reportedly described reports of drones heading towards Mecca as “old lies” and accused Riyadh of using the claims to gain diplomatic support.
At the same time, Al-Asad warned that Houthi military operations against Saudi military and government targets could intensify, saying the group would continue its response as long as Saudi military operations in Yemen continue.
The latest developments come amid growing tensions around the Red Sea, where maritime security has also deteriorated following Houthi threats and attacks linked to the wider regional conflict.
