Alert! Saudi Arabia Issues Warning of Potential Attacks in Mecca

Saudi authorities issued an emergency warning on Tuesday (15/9) alerting the public to potential attacks in the holy city of Mecca, as well as Jeddah and Taif in the west of the country. Residents were urged to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions.

The warning was issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, according to the Saudi Civil Defence, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday (15/9/2026).

The authorities did not specify the nature of the potential threat.

Residents were advised to remain calm and immediately move to the nearest safe location, preferably inside a building or an interior room away from windows, and to stay there until the danger had passed.

The Civil Defence also urged the public to stay away from open areas, windows, balconies and rooftops. Those outdoors were asked to enter the nearest building or take cover behind a solid barrier.

Drivers who received the warning were instructed to pull over, away from bridges and tall buildings. Meanwhile, the public was advised to avoid crowds and dangerous areas, and to follow instructions through official channels.

The warning comes amid escalating clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, which has carried out a series of missile and drone attacks against Saudi cities and infrastructure in recent days.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Brigadier General Turki al-Malki confirmed on Tuesday (15/9) that Houthi missile and drone attacks, which he described as coordinated, targeted the areas of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. At least 13 people were wounded in the spate of Houthi attacks.

The Saudi-led coalition, as reported by AFP and TRT World on Tuesday (15/9/2026), asserted that it would respond to the attacks “firmly in order to protect the sovereignty of the Kingdom”.

The coalition said it would take “all necessary operational measures to counter this hostile and extremist approach”.