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Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed for Mecca
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis towards Mecca, marking a significant escalation that threatens the holy city.
- The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attack as an attempt to intimidate worshippers and harm civilians, emphasizing the security of the two holy mosques as a "red line."
- Houthis denied targeting Mecca or any Islamic holy sites, calling such claims misinformation, while Saudi Arabia issued security alerts in Mecca, Taif, and Jeddah for the first time since 2017.
- The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified since July 2023, with increased attacks on Saudi territory following a UN-brokered truce in 2022, including recent strikes injuring civilians in multiple Saudi cities.
- The alert in Mecca is significant due to the city's religious importance as the site of the Kaaba and the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which saw 1.7 million Muslims in 2023; it remains uncertain if these attacks will impact future pilgrimages.
