Saudi Arabia's conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels is becoming increasingly dangerous. Rebel groups continue to fire ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia's west coast. In this situation, in addition to Jeddah, Taif, the city of Mecca, which is the holy place of pilgrimage for Muslims, the Riyadh administration has issued a 'red alert' due to the fear of Houthi attacks.
It was previously reported that the Houthis have taken control of the important Red Sea port of Mokha and an island near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This has led to renewed concerns about the security of one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Saudi cargo ships are being selectively attacked, Riyadh claims. US ships are being cleared on the same route. All in all, the crisis is increasing in Saudi. Not stopping here, the Houthis fired missiles at the Saudi airport and several cities yesterday.
In this situation, Saudi Arabia's 'General Directorate of Civil Defense' has asked the residents of Taif, Jeddah and Makkah to take shelter at 2:48 PM (IST). Along with this, it has been urged to follow the government safety guidelines. For the first time in the recent past, an emergency warning had to be issued for the fear of an enemy attack on Mecca's airspace. Note that one of the two holiest pilgrimage sites in Islam is located in Mecca.
However, three hours after the warning was issued, the Saudi Civil Defense Department told X's handle, “The danger to Makkah has passed. Follow the instructions of the Civil Defense for your own safety. Do not crowd anywhere, refrain from trying to take videos. In case of emergency, call 911.”
Meanwhile, the Middle Eastern country is disappointed not to get help from 'friend' Pakistan during the crisis. According to the Makkah Defense Treaty, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye pledged that if any country is attacked, measures will be considered to attack the rest. But in reality, after the Houthi attack, Islamabad stated that the Makkah defense agreement with Saudi Arabia does not mean that Pakistan has to take military action against the Houthis on its own initiative. In this incident, Pakistan's 'catch fish not touch water' diplomacy is once again disgraced on the world stage. Saudi Arabia is forced to approach Israel.