Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts on Tuesday warning of a “potential danger” in the holy city of Mecca, Jeddah, and Taif even as reports emerged of ballistic missiles being fired on the western coast by Iran-backed Houthi militia. A day earlier, the Yemen-based Houthis fired missiles at Saudi air bases and cities.

The alert, sounded by Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense, at 2.48pm (IST) urged residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions.

Records suggest this to be the first time in recent history that an emergency alert for aerial hostile conditions was sounded for Mecca, which houses Islam’s one of the two holiest shrines.

After around three hours, the Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense posted on X: “The danger has passed in Mecca City. For your safety, continue following Civil Defense instructions and avoid gathering and filming. In case of emergency, call (911).”

According to the Israeli newspaper Hayom, Houthis launched a missile barrage toward Saudi Arabia’s western coast, triggering the alerts. Mecca city is located about 70 kilometers inland from the Red Sea on the western coast of Saudi Arabia.

“Houthis launch a missile barrage toward Saudi Arabia’s western coast, triggering alerts. The Saudi Air Force strikes Houthi targets near Taiz in Yemen,” Hayom reported.