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

Saudi Arabia faces growing threats from advancing Houthis, with the kingdom destroying a drone that aimed to enter Mecca's airspace on September 15, according to the Saudi news outlet Arab News. This marks a significant escalation by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, as they continue their attacks on the holy city visited by millions of Muslims each year.

The recent drone threat near Mecca has been described as a "red line," according to Major-General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. Saudi Arabia emphasizes that Mecca is the holiest site in Islam, and the Houthi attack is likely to upset Muslims worldwide. The attack is seen as a symbolic gesture, following a series of recent incidents involving the Iran-backed militia.

The threat has intensified following the Houthis' advance on the Red Sea coast, where they took control of islands that guard the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This move aimed to assert the Houthis' dominance over the region and demonstrate their ability to strike where they want in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has warned of potential disruptions to oil shipments, as the East-West pipeline that moves energy supplies to Yanbu could be affected by the attacks.

The recent developments follow a meeting in Germany between US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia mediated by US CENTCOM. These diplomatic efforts aim to help Riyadh defend itself against the Houthi military through intelligence assistance.

The Houthis have a history of targeting Mecca, having shot down a ballistic missile launched by the Saudi air defense forces in 2017. They have also caused civilian casualties in Saudi Arabia, with attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif resulting in over 70 injuries, including women and children. The kingdom temporarily shut down its East-West Pipeline after multiple drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions.

Saudi Arabia faces a dilemma in response to the attacks. Will it seek to shift things in Yemen and support the Yemen government against the Houthis in a new offensive? The Houthi advance suggests that government forces are in disarray, as videos show them gaining control over areas previously held by the Saudi-backed forces. With the Houthis digging in and preparing for a counter-offensive, Saudi Arabia must weigh its options carefully, as the recent attacks could disrupt oil supplies and lead to rising prices, potentially pressuring the US and the West, as well as Riyadh.