Mecca
Mecca under alert! Saudi Arabia issues first air raid warning amid Houthi tension
Saudi Arabia had issued a brief warning about a 'potential danger' for the Islamic holy city of Mecca amid the recent attacks by the Houthis on the country.
The National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies issued the alert, according to Saudi Civil Defence, without specifying the nature of the potential danger, Al Monitor reported.
The warning advised people to avoid crowded and open areas and seek immediate shelter indoors.
It was the first time an aerial threat alert had been issued for Mecca. Similar alerts were previously issued for the governorates of Jeddah and Taif but were lifted shortly afterwards.
According to reports, the alert was issued shortly after Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city’s prohibited airspace.
At least 13 civilians were injured in a series of missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis towards the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushayt, Abha and Taif on Monday, according to Col. Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition, as reported by Al Monitor.
Last week, amid escalating tensions in the region, the Houthis launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, media reports said.
The attacks reportedly injured 73 people.
The Iran-backed Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes and launching cruise missiles against targets in Yemen amid heavy fighting between Houthi fighters and Saudi-aligned government forces in southern and western Yemen, Al Monitor reported.
Why is Mecca important?
Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the city where Muslims believe he received the revelations that formed the foundation of Islam. It is regarded as the holiest city in Islam.
The city has been considered a sacred site since ancient times and is home to the Kaaba, located within the Masjid al-Haram.
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to perform Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a major religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage..
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