Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense authorities issued temporary security alerts across several parts of the kingdom on Sunday, warning residents of potential threats before announcing that the danger had passed.
The warnings covered the capital, Riyadh, and the southern province of Najran, where residents were briefly advised to remain alert and follow official safety instructions.
In statements published on X, the Civil Defense warned of “a potential danger” before subsequently confirming that “the danger has passed” in both locations.
Authorities also urged residents to comply with official guidance and “avoid gathering and filming” during security incidents.
Earlier on Sunday, similar alerts were issued for Buqayq and Al Ahsa provinces, as well as the eastern city of Dammam. Those warnings were also lifted after authorities determined that the immediate threat had ended.
Officials did not provide details about the specific nature of the threats or report any casualties or damage associated with the alerts.
The warnings came amid heightened regional security concerns and renewed military tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Yemen has been engulfed in civil conflict since 2014, when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and several other areas.
In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition launched operations in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Hostilities between government forces and the Houthis have intensified in recent months, with the Iran-backed group repeatedly launching ballistic missiles and drones towards Saudi territory, including aviation facilities.
Although the latest alerts occurred against this backdrop of escalating tensions, Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm whether the warnings were directly linked to Houthi attacks.
The Civil Defense reiterated the importance of relying on official announcements and following emergency instructions during potential security threats.