Saudi-Houthi conflict LIVE: US issues advisory to 'reconsider travel' to Saudi after drone attack thwarted near Mecca

Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca, preventing it from entering the restricted airspace over the holy city, according to the Saudi-led coalition. However, the Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, dismissed the Saudi claim, stating they had not targeted Mecca. Despite this, the United States has warned its citizens to reconsider traveling to Saudi Arabia, citing multiple security risks in the kingdom.

These risks include potential Iranian drone and missile attacks on American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, possible exit bans, and strict Saudi laws regarding social media activity. The U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia also advised Americans to avoid traveling to the Yemen border due to the threat of terrorism. The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in a conflict with the Houthis since 2015, with the fighting recently resurfacing after the Houthis pushed back forces aligned with Yemen's government.