Saudi Arabia Accuses Houthis of Targeting Mecca, Calls It a 'Red Line'
Saudi forces intercepted the drone before it reached the holy city, and regional officials said the kingdom is seeking more air-defense support.
- On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Mecca, declaring the holy city a "red line" as tensions escalate in the region.
- The Houthis have increasingly targeted Saudi infrastructure, seized islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and shut down a crucial Saudi pipeline, escalating the conflict.
- Pakistan and Turkey expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representing over 57 Muslim states, condemned the attempt as violating the "sanctity of holy sites."
- Vice President JD Vance said on Monday Washington had been in "constant contact" with the Saudis and "engaged in direct conversations with the Houthis." Central Command established a task force for "enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support."
- Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel as Saudi Arabia faces a choice between pursuing diplomacy or military action against the Houthis amid the escalating conflict.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Houthi-Saudi Conflict Escalates: Mecca Red Line Crossed, Red Sea & Oil Supplies Hit
The military conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continues to escalate, with hundreds of attacks reported between both sides. The Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter aircraft and targeted multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, focusing on oil facilities and military sites. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported that a drone was intercepted heading towards Mecca, describing the holy city as an absolute red line. The ongoing host…
Saudi Arabia accused the Yemeni Houthis of having attacked the holy city of Mecca by drone. Pro-Iranian rebels denied targeting the sacred place. At least three fake videos claiming to show the interception of the drone are circulating. - VERIF' - The Mecca targeted by the Yemeni Houthis? Beware of these fake videos (International).
Mahdi al-Mashat, head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, values that the argument of the alleged threats to Mecca seeks to manipulate international public opinion.
Yemen's Houthi group denied targeting the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia in a drone attack on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
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