Saudi Arabia Issues Security Alerts After Missile Interceptions
Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across several cities on Saturday following reports of aerial threats, with authorities later confirming that the immediate danger had passed. The developments came amid heightened regional tensions, reported missile interceptions and renewed fighting in neighbouring Yemen.
The Saudi Civil Defense issued warnings through the National Early Warning Platform in Mecca Province, advising residents about a potential threat. Officials subsequently announced that the danger had passed.
Similar alerts were issued in Jeddah, Yanbu and Taif. Authorities later confirmed that the immediate threat had also ended in these areas.
Civil Defense officials urged residents to follow safety instructions, avoid gatherings and refrain from recording or sharing footage of the incidents. Anyone requiring emergency assistance was advised to contact the emergency number 911.
Saudi Air Defences Intercept Ballistic Missiles
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces towards Taif and Yanbu.
The coalition had earlier reported intercepting and destroying another ballistic missile directed towards Riyadh.
The reported interceptions have added to security concerns in Saudi Arabia as hostilities involving the Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen continue.
Fighting Intensifies in Yemen
Meanwhile, clashes reportedly intensified along the eastern front near Taiz between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels, according to Al Jazeera. The fighting reportedly involved artillery fire, heavy and medium weapons, and air strikes.
In Lahj province in southern Yemen, a military source told Al Jazeera that Houthi fighters had attacked Al-Maqatra Castle. According to the source, the operation began early Saturday following reported military movements in the area.
Separately, the Yemen Network for Rights and Freedoms said it had documented 21 alleged Houthi violations in Taiz Governorate over a 24-hour period. The allegations included shelling in residential areas, deaths and injuries, kidnappings, detentions, raids and looting. These claims have not been independently verified.
Houthi-affiliated media also reported fresh air strikes in Yemen's Saada governorate, including areas around Al-Salem, Kitaf and Al-Baqa, according to Al Jazeera.
India Helps Stranded Umrah Pilgrims Return Home
Amid the security concerns, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to help Indian Umrah pilgrims return home.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that approximately 3,000 stranded pilgrims had returned to India during the preceding week. More than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims had also travelled back on available flights, he said.
Indian diplomatic missions continued to coordinate travel arrangements for the remaining pilgrims and assist community volunteers. The Embassy and Consulate were also operating round-the-clock control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah and issuing regular advisories to Indian nationals.
India Condemns Attacks on Saudi Civilian and Energy Infrastructure
The latest developments followed 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 Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the Dammam airport incident. Another Indian citizen was injured in the reported attack on the Shaybah oil field.
India called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure and expressed hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region.