'Even Mecca is at risk': Attack alert issued for holy city for first time since Middle East war began, spreading to Jeddah

As armed conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen intensifies, an attack threat alert was issued for Mecca — Islam's holiest site — for the first time. The alert zone has expanded northward to Jeddah, home to a large number of Korean residents, heightening concerns.

According to AFP, Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense Authority issued alerts Tuesday (local time) warning of possible attacks in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif. It was the first time an attack threat alert had been issued for the holy city of Mecca since the outbreak of the Middle East war.

It was not immediately clear whether the alerts were triggered by a missile or drone threat. The Civil Defense Authority notified residents shortly afterward that the threat had passed.

Amid an escalating Houthi offensive against Saudi Arabia, the alert zones — previously concentrated in the south — have gradually moved northward, now reaching areas where Korean nationals reside.

Jeddah, where alerts were issued Tuesday, is home to a number of Korean trading company employees and other Korean residents. According to data published by the Overseas Koreans Agency in its "2025 Status of Overseas Koreans" report, 571 Koreans reside in the consular district of the Republic of Korea Consulate General in Jeddah.