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Saudi Arabia says Houthis target Mecca, warns of 'red line'
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone allegedly launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis before it entered restricted airspace over Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.
- The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, calling the coalition's claims a "worn-out lie," while Saudi Arabia emphasized the security of Mecca and its pilgrims as a "red line."
- Pakistan's Prime Minister and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the alleged attack, stressing the sanctity of holy sites must be protected.
- The conflict stems from escalating hostilities between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Iran-backed Houthis, with recent Houthi attacks causing injuries in Saudi Arabia and disrupting oil shipping routes.
- The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a travel advisory citing risks from Iranian drone and missile attacks, armed conflict, and terrorism amid the growing regional tensions.
