Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca in drone attack

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam's holiest city, Mecca, after its air defenses intercepted a drone south of the holy site on Tuesday evening. The incident drew widespread condemnation from across the Muslim world but no immediate offers of military support, highlighting the kingdom's growing isolation as it faces a renewed offensive from the Iran-backed militia. Saudi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki stated that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered Mecca's restricted airspace just before 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday. He declared the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims a "red line," warning of necessary deterrent measures. The coalition described the incident as the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in 2017. The Houthi movement swiftly denied the accusation. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated that Houthi operations target Saudi oil facilities and military bases "far removed from the sacred sites." Another Houthi official, Hazem al-Assad, dismissed the Saudi claim as "a worn-out lie.