SAUDI ARABIA WARNS HOUTHIS AFTER DRONE INTERCEPTED NEAR MECCA

Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen’s Houthi rebels of attempting to target the holy city of Mecca after its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of the city. The Saudi-led coalition said the drone was destroyed before it could enter the restricted airspace over Mecca, prompting Riyadh to issue a strong warning to the group.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”. He warned that the coalition would take what it described as necessary and deterrent measures against the Houthis following the incident.

The Houthis have rejected Saudi Arabia’s allegation, insisting that they did not target Mecca or any other Islamic holy site. A senior Houthi official described the accusation as false, while a Houthi military source also denied that the group posed any threat to the sacred city.

The incident came amid a wider escalation between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. Saudi Arabia had earlier issued security alerts in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif following a series of missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen. The latest escalation has also raised concerns over security around major maritime routes in the Red Sea.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned what it described as an attack targeting the holy city and stressed the need to protect Islam’s sacred sites. The development has further heightened tensions in the region as Saudi Arabia continues to face attacks from Houthi forces and seeks to protect its territory and critical infrastructure.