Saudi Arabia briefly issues emergency alerts in three cities

Saudi Arabia briefly activated emergency alerts on Monday in the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait and the western city of Taif, before later announcing that the danger had passed in all three areas, Anadolu Agency reported.

The warnings were issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, according to separate statements by the Saudi Civil Defense.

After the alerts ended, the Civil Defense urged residents to continue following its instructions and to avoid gathering or filming.

The statements did not specify the nature of the threat and reported no casualties or damage.

The warnings came amid escalating hostilities between the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition against the Houthis since March 2015, after the group seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country in 2014.