Key facts
- Saudi Arabia's civil defense issued emergency alerts across Yanbu, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, and Jazan on Tuesday.
- The alerts followed several days of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia.
- Two people were injured Saturday in Jazan when a Houthi projectile struck Al-Tuwal governorate.
- Earlier in the week, Houthi strikes on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran injured 73 people.
- Drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline last week.
- The East-West pipeline carries Saudi crude from oil fields in the east to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia's civil defense issued emergency alerts across several cities, including Yanbu, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, and Jazan, on Tuesday. These alerts came amid heightened security concerns following several days of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis targeting southern Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia had lifted warnings of potential danger in four southern cities—Najran, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Abha—after initial alerts. However, renewed warnings for Khamis Mushait and Abha were later issued and subsequently lifted.
The Houthi attacks have drawn condemnation from regional organizations and governments. The escalation coincides with increased pressure on Saudi Arabia’s security and energy infrastructure. On Saturday, two people were injured in Jazan when a Houthi projectile struck Al-Tuwal governorate, damaging a mosque, buildings, and vehicles. Earlier in the week, similar Houthi strikes on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran resulted in 73 injuries, including women and children.
Adding to regional instability, several drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline last week, causing injuries and material damage. The Energy Ministry temporarily shut down the pipeline, which transports crude oil from the Kingdom’s east to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, as a precautionary measure. Iraq condemned the attacks and launched an investigation, vowing to prevent its territory from being used for such assaults. The pipeline is crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil exports, offering an alternative route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.