Saudi civil defence issues and quickly lifts alerts for Abha and Khamis Mushait

2 outlets1 min read1h agoImportance 2/10

Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency warned of possible attacks in Abha and the Khamis Mushait area, then rescinded the alerts shortly after.

Why it matters

It shows the volatility on the Saudi-Yemen border and the potential for rapid security alerts affecting local populations.

How this story developed

Sep 8 Houthi strikes wound dozens in Saudi cities as coalition vows retaliation
Sep 11 Yemen's Saudi-led coalition said the Houthis attacked the Saudi Arabian southwestern cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan with ballistic missiles and drones.
Sep 11 Iranian and Saudi diplomats held talks aimed at reducing regional insecurity.
Sep 11 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged President Donald Trump to authorize U.S. strikes against the Houthis, but the United States limited its role to intelligence and targeting assistance.
Sep 11 The Iran-backed Houthis captured the Yemeni side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Mayyun Island and the Hanish islands, consolidating control over the vital Red Sea corridor.
Sep 11 Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said the pipeline was targeted by several drones launched from Iraq, causing human injuries and damage.
Sep 11 New satellite data now show a smoke plume along the pipeline route.
Sep 12 Satellite imagery shows a massive smoke plume about 100 km long and sustained thermal hotspots along the East-West Pipeline corridor southeast of Medina.
Sep 12 Saudi Arabia closed its oil pipeline after drone attacks traced to Iraq.
Sep 12 Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said navigation in the Red Sea was safe except for Saudi ships.
Sep 12 Experts noted Iran now influences both the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab chokepoints.
Sep 13 Houthis announced a drone and missile strike on Saudi Sharurah military base.
Sep 13 Iraq seized a drone‑launching platform suspected of being used in the strike and dismissed the Maysan provincial commander.
Sep 13 Saudi east‑west oil pipeline shut after a drone strike.

In this story

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Updated 13 Sep 2026, 18:19 UTC