Saudi Arabia Says Houthi Target Mecca, Warns of 'Red Line'

Saudi Arabia led a coalition combating Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen accused the insurgents of targeting the holy city of Mecca on Wednesday, sparking global outrage. The Coalition stated that the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a "red line" and vowed to take necessary measures against the militant group. According to the statement, a drone launched by the Houthis was intercepted and destroyed by the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces before entering Mecca's airspace.

Saudi Arabia had issued warnings on Tuesday about possible attacks in Mecca and the southern region bordering Yemen. However, the Houthis swiftly denied the allegations, calling them a "lie" and dismissing the claims as outdated. Hazem al-Assad, a senior Houthi official, said the accusations had been used before and would not fool anyone.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a coalition of 57 Muslim nations, condemned the "heinous" attack, emphasizing that violating the sanctity of holy sites is an unacceptable transgression that must be dealt with firmly. The OIC General Secretariat stated that any attempt to infringe upon these sites would be met with resistance and efforts to block those who dare to do so.

Saudi Arabia has been increasingly impacted by the escalating conflict in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthis are clashing with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Injuries from Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia reached 13 people on Monday, bringing the total injured since July to around 100. The Houthis also blocked Saudi oil shipments in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in July, disrupting alternative oil export routes due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Facing mounting pressure, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached out to Egypt for support against the Houthis, calling for the protection of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The escalating situation has introduced a new front in the Middle East, already grappling with the US war on Iran.

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging its citizens to "reconsider travel" to the kingdom, citing the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity.