Amidst escalating tensions in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, the Indian embassy on Sunday has asked its nationals to take a note of and follow updated guidance issued by Saudi authorities for people receiving emergency warning through the national early warning platform for emergencies following strikes by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The instructions, which were shared through social media platform, asked people to remain calm, follow official directions and immediately move to the nearest safe spot inside a building, preferably an interior room, away from windows, until the danger has passed.
The instructions come following the recent attack in Riyadh where interceptions of the ballistic missiles have dropped debris in residential areas, damaging civil infrastructure.
The advisory follows a similar notice issued following the deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed an Indian national and injured several others.
At the time, Indian nationals were asked to comply with local authorities’ instructions and remain indoors during aerial attacks. The embassy also cautioned them against filming, publishing or sharing information, photographs and videos related to the ongoing security situation.
In recent months, Iran-backed Houthis have been seizing strategic territory along the Red Sea coast raising territorial concerns for Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government, has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas.
The Houthis have also targeted Saudi interests, including vessels in the Red Sea, Aramco and Riyadh’s international airport. These developments have added to security concerns across the region.