Saudi Arabia: Saudi authorities issued emergency security alerts across several cities on Saturday following reports of aerial threats, later declaring that the danger had passed. The developments came amid heightened regional tensions and reports of missile interceptions and renewed clashes in Yemen.
The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense issued warnings through the National Early Warning Platform in Mecca Province, alerting residents to a potential threat. Authorities subsequently announced that the danger had passed.
Similar alerts were issued for Jeddah, Yanbu and Taif, with officials later confirming that the danger had passed in these areas as well.
The Saudi Civil Defense urged residents to follow safety instructions, avoid gatherings and refrain from filming. People were also advised to contact emergency services on 911 when necessary.
Air Defences Intercept Ballistic Missiles
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said air defences had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces towards Taif and Yanbu.
Earlier on Saturday, the coalition had also reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh.
The incidents have added to security concerns in Saudi Arabia amid continuing hostilities involving the Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen.
Clashes Resume in Yemen
Meanwhile, fighting has reportedly intensified between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels on the eastern front around Taiz, according to Al Jazeera. The clashes involved artillery shelling and the use of heavy and medium weapons, alongside reported air strikes.
In southern Yemen’s Lahj province, a military source told Al Jazeera that Houthi fighters had launched an attack on Al-Maqatra Castle. The source said the operation began early on Saturday following reported military movements in the area.
Separately, the Yemen Network for Rights and Freedoms alleged that it had documented 21 violations attributed to the Houthis in Taiz Governorate over a 24-hour period. The reported allegations included shelling of residential areas, killings and injuries, kidnappings, detentions, raids and looting. These claims have not been independently verified.
Houthi-affiliated media also reported renewed air strikes in Yemen’s Saada governorate, including areas in Al-Salem, Kitaf and Al-Baqa, according to Al Jazeera.
India Facilitates Return of Umrah Pilgrims
Amid the security situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said its Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of Indian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the preceding week, while more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims had also travelled back on available flights.
Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating arrangements for the remaining pilgrims and assisting community volunteers. The Embassy and Consulate are also operating round-the-clock control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah and issuing regular advisories to Indian nationals.
India Condemns Attacks on Critical Infrastructure
The developments follow India’s condemnation of attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including reported strikes on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field on October 21.
According to the MEA, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the Dammam airport incident, while another Indian citizen sustained injuries in the attack on the Shaybah oil field.
India has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure and expressed hope for an early restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.
[DD news]