Security Alert Issued in The Holy City of Makkah
A security alert was issued in the holy city of Makkah on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense warned of potential danger in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies.
About 10 minutes later, it posted that the danger had passed.
What Happened in Makkah and Other Cities
Residents in Makkah were told to go to the nearest safe place. Alerts also went out for Jeddah, Taif and Yanbu, which put four western provinces on notice. All the alerts were rescinded within minutes.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, said air defenses destroyed two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen towards Taif and Yanbu. The coalition did not say any missile was aimed at Makkah.
Earlier on Saturday, the coalition said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh. Al-Malki also said a drone was intercepted in the Eastern Province.
Safety Instructions for Residents
Saudi Civil Defense has published official steps for anyone who receives a warning message:
- Stay calm and follow official instructions.
- Go straight to the nearest safe place, either inside a building or in an interior room away from windows. Stay there until the danger has passed.
- Do not leave your home or building until the danger has passed.
- Keep away from open areas, windows and glass. Do not stand on balconies or roofs.
- If you are outdoors, go into the nearest building or take cover behind a solid barrier.
- Avoid crowds and dangerous areas, and do not take photos.
- If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road, away from bridges and high-rise buildings.
- Follow instructions from the competent authorities through official channels.
If you notice any danger, call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In the rest of Saudi Arabia, call 998. More information is available at 998.gov.sa.
Civil Defense also repeated its legal warning against sharing images or information about efforts to counter missiles and drones.
