Houthis report Saudi strikes as Riyadh accuses them of targeting Makkah

RIYADH: The Yemeni Houthi group reported Saudi airstrikes on Wednesday, while Riyadh accused the group of launching a "cowardly" attack on Islam's holy city of Makkah. The Houthi denial of the drone strike claim prompted global outrage. Ongoing clashes between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh-backed government have now involved Saudi Arabia, after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait are vital for Saudi oil exports, as the wider Middle East war disrupts the Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Saudi Arabia condemned the Makkah targeting as a "cowardly terrorist attack" and emphasized its right to defend the security of the two holy mosques, pilgrims, and Saudi territory.

Houthi politburo member Hazem al-Assad dismissed the accusation as a "worn-out lie." One Makkah resident observed civilians panicking upon receiving an attack alert, but life in the city remains normal. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of similar attacks in the past, and the Saudi-led coalition vowed retaliation against the "terrorist" Houthi militia.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree reported 40 airstrikes targeting Taiz, Marib, and Hodeidah provinces over the past 24 hours, while alleging over 450 Saudi strikes in the past week. The group claimed shooting down a Saudi fighter jet as well. Saudi Arabia issued warnings of possible attacks in Makkah and southern regions, with many Makkah residents expressing fear.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League chief called the attacks "heinous" and "a matter of extreme gravity," with Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Pakistan also condemning the assault. Yemen's civil war, dormant since 2022, reignited in July when the Houthis launched a major offensive against government forces, forcing over 100,000 people to flee their homes.