Saudi Arabia issues aerial threat alert in holy city Makkah

Saudi authorities on Saturday issued an emergency alert warning of a “hostile aerial threat” in the city of Makkah (Mecca), with the danger later reported to have passed.

The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense issued a warning in Makkah Province to alert residents of a potential danger. In a post on X, it said, "A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Mecca Province to alert of a potential danger."

In another post on X, it said later, " Alert: The danger has passed in Makkah Province."

Saudi authorities also issued alerts for Jeddah, Yanbu and Taif governorates, subsequently confirming that the danger had passed in these areas.

In its alerts, the Saudi Civil Defense urged residents to continue following safety instructions and avoid gatherings and filming. Authorities also advised people to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, Major General Turki Al-Malki, said air defences had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu.In a post on X, the coalition spokesperson said, “Interception and destruction of two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards the cities of Taif and Yanbu.” 

Earlier on Saturday, the coalition spokesperson announced that air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh.

In a post on X, the coalition said, “Air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards Riyadh."

Meanwhile, fierce clashes have resumed between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels on the eastern front around Taiz, Al Jazeera reported, citing its colleagues at Al Jazeera. 

Heavy and medium weapons have been used alongside artillery shelling and air strikes.

In Lahj province in southern Yemen, the Houthis reportedly launched an "attack" on al-Maqatra castle, a military source told Al Jazeera. The source said the attack began at around 2 am local time on Saturday, following Houthi rebels' military movements and preparations since Friday evening.The source added that the Houthis had flown a reconnaissance drone over the castle on Thursday evening, prompting government forces stationed there to attempt to shoot it down before the "attack" began.