Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts on Tuesday warning residents of a “potential danger” in the western cities of Jeddah, Mecca and Taif and urging the public to immediately follow safety precautions.
According to the Saudi Civil Defense, the warnings were sent through the kingdom’s National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies. Authorities did not disclose the specific nature of the threat.
Residents were advised to remain calm and seek shelter in the nearest safe location, preferably inside a building or in an interior room away from windows, and to remain there until the danger had passed.
The Civil Defense urged people to avoid open spaces, balconies, rooftops and windows. Anyone caught outdoors was advised to enter the nearest building or seek protection behind a solid barrier.
Motorists receiving an emergency warning were instructed to pull over in a safe location away from bridges and high-rise buildings. Authorities also advised the public to avoid gatherings and potentially dangerous areas and to rely on official channels for further instructions.
The warnings come amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group. The Houthis have carried out a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi cities and infrastructure in recent days, while Saudi forces have responded with strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.