Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts in two areas on Saturday following reports of explosions off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts for Khamis Mushait Governorate and Abha city in the Asir province, warning residents of a “potential danger”. Residents were instructed to move to the nearest safe location and remain there until the threat had passed.
The alerts came after Iranian state media reported that two explosions were heard near Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz. The official IRNA news agency said the blasts were heard coming from the direction of the sea.
The incident occurred amid heightened military tensions around the strategic waterway, which is a major route for global oil shipments. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations also reported that a tanker’s master heard two explosions while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, although the vessel and its crew were reported safe.
The latest developments come as the security situation around the Gulf deteriorates. Reuters reported that a vessel was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia has also been dealing with attacks affecting its oil infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia recently temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, with the 1,200-kilometre pipeline serving as a key alternative route for transporting oil while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
The emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait and Abha were subsequently lifted after Saudi authorities determined that the danger had passed.
The developments have further heightened concerns over the security of shipping and energy supplies in the Gulf, particularly as the conflict continues to affect major maritime routes in the region.
