RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued danger warnings on Thursday for Yanbu, a Red Sea oil export hub, and Sharurah, near the Yemeni border.
Authorities later declared that the danger had passed in both areas. They did not specify what triggered the alerts. Saudi Civil Defence urged residents to continue following safety instructions and avoid gathering or filming.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led military coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards Medina.
Officials did not establish a connection between the missile interception and the emergency warnings. Yanbu serves as an important outlet for Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.
The warnings occurred as Houthi forces continued attacks against the kingdom during the wider US-Israeli war with Iran. On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed they had struck Riyadh’s international airport.
Read: Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted 12 Houthi Missiles, 2 Drones
Saudi authorities had not confirmed that attack. The group had not announced another attack on Saudi Arabia when Thursday’s initial warnings emerged.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Riyadh on Wednesday and met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders attended the signing of a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Officials did not disclose its terms. Saudi Arabia has sought military assistance from several countries as it confronts renewed Houthi attacks.
Egypt authorised military support for the kingdom in October. Britain also announced plans to deploy fighter jets on defensive missions.
Read: Saudi Missile Plant Expansion Could Boost Range, Study Says
Turkey, meanwhile, has moved towards ratifying a collective defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The pact requires parliamentary approval in Ankara.
With additional input from Reuters and Anadolu Agency
