Tensions soar in Saudi Arabia as Houthis strike Mecca, Islam’s holiest city

Missile warning sirens reportedly sounded in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, as Houthi forces launched fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. According to the Daily Express, sirens were also triggered in Jeddah and Taif, prompting authorities to instruct residents to take shelter before later announcing they could leave protected areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties, and it remained unclear whether any missiles struck their intended targets.

Air traffic bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina was reportedly halted amid the alert. Saudi Civil Defense later confirmed the danger in Mecca had passed, while urging residents to continue following official safety guidance.
The warnings followed Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday, which left thirteen civilians with minor to moderate injuries and damaged seven homes and two vehicles, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Yemeni government and Royal Saudi Air Force aircraft have also reportedly struck targets near Taiz in response.

The escalation has heightened concerns over shipping through key maritime routes, with the Houthis having seized strategic positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The United States and Saudi Arabia are reportedly considering expanding use of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane to offset disruptions, an understanding said to have been reached between US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.