Saudi issues 'potential danger' warning for Mecca

The Saudi civil defense agency issued a warning of potential danger for four of its western provinces, including Mecca, on Saturday. The provinces covered were Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu. However, the warnings were quickly lifted minutes after they were issued.

Residents were advised to seek shelter in the nearest safe place. The agency also re-emphasized a legal warning against sharing images or information related to countering missiles and drones.

Tensions in the region have been high due to repeated attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. These attacks have targeted the kingdom's oil infrastructure and airports. In the most recent incident, Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis towards Taif and Yanbu on Saturday.

The Houthis, fighting against the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government, have been active in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The conflict, which began in 2015, has turned into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The war was dormant since a ceasefire in 2022 but reignited in July amidst the broader Middle East tensions.