Saudi Arabia lifts emergency alerts in southwest after Houthi escalation

RIYADH — Saudi authorities on Sunday, 1 November 2026, issued emergency warnings in three areas of the country's southwest before announcing that the danger had passed, according to Anadolu Agency. The alerts covered the cities of Abha and Jazan and the Khamis Mushait governorate, the agency reported.

Saudi Civil Defense said in posts on X, the US social media platform, that an early warning system had been used to alert residents to potential danger. It later said the danger had passed. The posts did not say what the threat was, and they did not report any casualties or damage, Anadolu Agency said.

Separately, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and a drone launched by the Houthi group toward southern Saudi Arabia, according to the same report. The agency did not say when the interception took place or whether any other launches were recorded.

The alerts came amid escalating hostilities between the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition supports Yemen's internationally recognised government. Anadolu Agency reported that Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone attacks by the Houthis in recent weeks.

Why it matters

For residents of Abha, Jazan and Khamis Mushait, the warnings meant a period of uncertainty before the all-clear was given. The source does not describe any movement of people, school closures or other effects on daily life.

The southwest is the part of Saudi Arabia closest to Yemen, which shares a border with the kingdom. Attacks toward the south of the country therefore fall within a region where the conflict has been active.

Background

The Houthis are an armed movement that controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 to back the internationally recognised government, which is based outside the Houthi-held areas. The war has continued since then, with periods of truce and renewed fighting.

Anadolu Agency's report describes the recent attacks as part of a wider pattern. It does not give a full list of earlier incidents, dates or damage in the recent weeks it refers to.

What happens next

The source does not say whether further alerts are expected or whether the coalition plans any response. It also does not report any statement from the Houthi group about the missile and drone attacks. Anadolu Agency did not say whether the Houthis had confirmed the launches.

The source is a single news agency report. Its account has not been checked against statements from the Saudi government, the coalition or the Houthis in the material provided.