Saudi shot down 6 Houthi missiles, lifts alert for Mecca, other cities

Saudi authorities has lifted the danger alert over Mecca and other key cities. The brief alerts earlier on Thursday were the first issued by Saudi authorities. After a period of heightened tension, the all-clear has been given for some of the kingdom’s most important urban and religious centers.
Earlier,Saudi Arabia has issued an emergency missile and drone warning covering Mecca and several other cities, including Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, Abha, Jazan and AlUla. The alert comes amid continued missile and drone attacks by the Houthis targeting areas in southern Saudi Arabia. The security agency directed citizens and expatriates to follow official instructions. It advised people to stay inside a building, ideally away from windows and glass, until the danger passes. They were also urged to avoid open areas, balconies and rooftops. Those who were outside were directed to move to a nearby building or behind a solid barrier. The Saudi Civil Defence also instructed people to avoid crowds and refrain from filming.
According to the Saudi Civil Defense guidance, people who noticed any danger were asked to contact 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 998 in other parts of the kingdom. Authorities also urged residents to follow instructions issued through official channels.
Turki al-Malki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, has said its forces destroyed six ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis. “Escalation and violations by the terrorist Houthi militia will be dealt with firmly,” al-Malki added.