Saudi Arabia Issues Emergency Alerts Amid Explosions Near Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts in two areas on Saturday after explosions were heard off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts for Khamis Mushait Governorate and Abha city in the Asir province, warning residents of a “potential danger”.

The alerts advised members of the public to move to the nearest safe place and remain there until the danger had passed.

According to Iran’s official news agency (IRNA), two explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, coming from the direction of the sea.

“A few minutes ago, the sound of two explosions was heard on Qeshm Island, coming from the direction of the sea,” IRNA reported.

An Iranian channel described the incident as a “new security incident in the Strait of Hormuz”.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Iran targeting oil tankers passing through the strategic waterway and US bases in Gulf countries in retaliation for US military strikes on Iranian targets.

The United States has also targeted ships attempting to break its counterblockade of Iranian ports.

The Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route, has faced heightened disruption amid the escalating conflict.

Saudi Civil Defence later announced that the potential danger had passed and lifted the emergency alerts, according to Sky News.

There has been heightened regional tensions and a series of recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen.

The Houthis had attacked Abha, Khamis Mushait and Jazan with ballistic missiles and drones, reportedly wounding 73 people and prompting Riyadh to intensify airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.