19/09/2026
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19/09/2026
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The Directorate General of Civil Defense activated, then shortly deactivated, an alarm late Friday via the National Early Warning Platform for the southwestern governorates of Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, Ola, Abha, Jazan and Khamis Mushait. Authorities urged the public to remain calm, move to secure places, and follow safety instructions, while motorists were advised to pull over safely away from bridges and high-rise buildings and to report any danger via the emergency number 998. Early Saturday, civil defense issued its first emergency warning for Al-Kharj Governorate, instructing residents to seek immediate shelter in interior rooms or sturdy buildings, away from windows, balconies, and open areas. People outdoors were told to take cover behind solid barriers, avoid gathering or filming hazardous sites, and stay away from exposed locations. Within three hours, a second alert was issued for Riyadh and Al-Kharj, citing persisting hazardous conditions. Residents were instructed to remain indoors in sturdy buildings or interior rooms, keeping well clear of windows, glass, balconies, and rooftops until the threat passes.
The statement warned against unnecessary travel, gathering at risk sites, taking photographs of hazardous conditions, or remaining in open areas. Drivers were urged to pull over safely away from bridges and tall structures, while the public was advised to report emergencies via 998 and rely strictly on official civil defense channels for updates. The alerts come as the European Union condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as “unacceptable,” warning they harm the global economy and stressing the need to safeguard freedom of maritime navigation. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Kallas added that Europe continues to help protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, noting that the EU’s Operation ASPIDES has raised the alert level of its vessels amid the worsening security situation while continuing escort duties.
Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti diplomat said that targeting oil tankers represents a fl agrant violation of the international humanitarian law (IHL) as it might cause serious threat to environment. The potential ecological hazards pose an infringement on the right to life, which is a foundational human right, said Dr. Nada Al-Dhebaib, the third secretary of Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Addressing the general debate on the third item of the agenda of the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, she stressed the importance of protecting human rights through an inclusive approach. Dr. Al-Dhebaib highlighted the need for integration among all aspects of human rights, including the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development. Stable and equitable development represents a mainstay for protecting human dignity, she said, reaffirming Kuwait’s support to international cooperation based on constructive dialogue and away from any politicization or discrimination
