Threats of Attacks on Saudi Cities Spread to Makkah

Riyadh (Qudrat Daily) — Saudi Arabia’s National Emergency and Civil Defense Authority issued emergency sirens and warning alerts in the country’s western region, particularly Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif, in view of a possible threat. Shortly afterward, the warning issued for Makkah was officially withdrawn. According to Arab media, Saudi Civil Defense had directed citizens through the National Early Warning Platform to immediately move to nearby safe buildings and inner rooms, urging citizens to stay away from open areas, windows, balconies, and rooftops. Drivers on roads were instructed to park their vehicles in safe locations away from bridges and tall buildings. However, Saudi Civil Defense later lifted the emergency warning limited to Makkah and described the situation as under control.

It has been learned that border tensions and conflict intensified when the Houthi militia attempted to gain control of Perim Island, located at the mouth of the Red Sea, after which an airstrike was carried out on Saudi Arabia’s most important 1,200-kilometer-long East-West oil pipeline. Oil traders and experts say that a prolonged closure of this pipeline could cause a reduction of up to 4 percent in the total global oil supply. Saudi Arabia has not yet clarified when the repair and restoration of the pipeline will be possible.

Reports indicate that 13 citizens were injured in recent missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels, to which the Saudi government has expressed its determination to give the strongest possible response. In response to this situation, Saudi and Yemeni air forces carried out heavy bombardment on Houthi hideouts near the Red Sea port of Mokha. However, according to Yemeni government authorities, Houthi rebels still maintain effective control over nearly the entire western coastal strip near the Red Sea.