Saudi Arabia issues emergency alerts over 'Potential Danger' in Jeddah, Makkah, Taif

ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a "potential danger" in Jeddah, Makkah and Taif in the country's west, urging residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

The alerts were issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, according to the Saudi Civil Defence.

The Saudi Civil Defence later said in a post on X that the "danger has passed", urging the public to avoid gatherings and filming.

Authorities did not specify the nature of the potential danger, Anadolu reported.

In the alert, residents were urged to remain calm and immediately move to the nearest safe place, preferably inside a building or an interior room away from windows, and remain there until the danger passes.

The Civil Defence also advised people to stay away from open areas, windows, balconies and rooftops, while those outdoors were told to enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier.

Motorists receiving an alert were instructed to pull over away from bridges and high-rise buildings, while the public was urged to avoid gatherings and dangerous areas and follow instructions through official channels.

The alerts came amid escalating clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group, which has carried out a series of missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities and infrastructure in recent days. Saudi forces have responded with strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.