International
oi-Oneindia Staff
Saudi Arabia on Monday issued a hostile aerial attack alert for the holy city of Mecca. The warning was sent through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergency Cases.
Saudi Arabia issued a hostile aerial attack alert for Mecca via its National Early Warning Platform, advising immediate safety measures before Civil Defence announced the danger had passed. The alert, amidst regional tensions and condemned Houthi attacks, prompted calls for calm and adherence to official updates.
Residents and visitors were told to move to safe places immediately and follow instructions from the authorities. People inside buildings were advised to stay indoors and move to rooms away from windows.
Those who were outside were asked to enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a strong barrier.
Civil Defence Says Danger Has Passed
The Saudi Civil Defence later said that the danger in Mecca City had passed. However, it asked people to remain careful and continue following safety instructions.
Authorities also told people not to gather at the site and not to film or take photographs. People were advised to stay away from areas that could be dangerous.
The warning came as security concerns have increased in Saudi Arabia because of rising tensions in the region.
People Given Safety Instructions
The authorities asked residents and visitors to stay away from open spaces, windows, glass, balconies and rooftops.
People were also told not to travel towards dangerous areas. Drivers who received the alert while on the road were advised to stop in a safe place, away from bridges and tall buildings.
The authorities urged everyone to remain calm and depend on official information for further updates.
Sudais Condemns Houthi Attacks
Sheikh Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, condemned what he described as hostile attacks by the Houthi militia targeting the Holy Sites.
The Mecca alert came amid wider regional tensions and recent Houthi attacks targeting locations in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities have continued to urge residents to follow safety instructions during such alerts.
The Civil Defence announcement that the danger had passed brought the immediate emergency situation in Mecca to an end.
