Saudi Arabia Vows ‘Decisive’ Response to Houthi Attacks as Makkah Security Alert Issued

RIYADH (Terror Monitor) — Saudi Arabia has vowed a “decisive” response to recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, after ballistic missiles and drones launched toward the kingdom left 13 people wounded and prompted authorities to issue new public safety instructions in Makkah.

The Iran-aligned Houthis began targeting Saudi maritime vessels in the Red Sea after announcing a naval blockade, according to the latest reports. The developments have raised further concerns over maritime security in the region, particularly after traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted.

The Houthis also reportedly took control last week of parts of the eastern Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, increasing the strategic importance of the waterway as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption.

France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation around Bab el-Mandeb. The meeting is scheduled to take place in New York on Tuesday.

Makkah authorities issue safety instructions

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense authorities issued precautionary instructions to residents of Makkah amid concerns over a possible security threat.

In a statement posted on X, the Civil Defense urged residents to remain calm and follow official instructions. People were advised to move immediately to the nearest safe location, a secure building or an interior room away from windows in the event of an emergency, and to remain there until the danger had passed.

Authorities also urged residents not to leave their homes or buildings without a necessary reason and to stay away from open areas, windows and glass.

Residents were advised against standing on balconies or rooftops and were told to keep away from crowds and potentially dangerous areas. The authorities also asked people to refrain from taking photographs during emergency situations.

The latest warning followed similar precautionary alerts issued by Civil Defense on Tuesday morning for Jeddah, Taif and several other areas.

Instructions for motorists

The Civil Defense also issued specific instructions to motorists.

Drivers who receive an emergency warning on their mobile phones while traveling were advised to pull over safely and park their vehicles away from roadsides that could expose them to danger, as well as away from bridges and tall buildings.

Emergency situations can be reported by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while residents in other parts of Saudi Arabia can contact 998, according to the authorities.

Residents were urged to rely on official sources for further instructions and to follow directions issued by the relevant government authorities.

Saudi Cabinet condemns Houthi attacks

Meanwhile, the Saudi Cabinet strongly condemned what it described as continued and deliberate attacks by the Houthi “terrorist militia” against civilians and civilian infrastructure inside the kingdom.

The Cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right under the United Nations Charter and international law to defend itself and protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and vital national interests.

The Saudi government’s warning comes amid growing regional tensions involving Iran and its allied armed groups, with attacks involving missiles and drones adding to concerns over the security of major shipping routes and civilian areas across the region.

The latest developments have also increased international attention on Bab el-Mandeb, a strategically vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Any sustained disruption there, combined with restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, could place additional pressure on international shipping and energy supplies.