Saudi says Houthis target Makkah, warn of 'red line'

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia saw shock as the Houthi rebels reportedly opened fire on the holy city of Makkah on Wednesday, sparking global outrage. This marked the latest escalation in the Yemen conflict, with the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade around the kingdom and attacking its ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis deny Saudi claims they shot down a drone heading towards Makkah, calling the report a "lie."

Saudi Arabia vowed retaliation, warning that the security of holy sites equates to a "red line" that they would not allow the Houthis to cross. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack, and Saudi Arabia had issued alerts on Tuesday over possible attacks in Makkah and the south, bordering Yemen. Fighting resumed in July when the Houthis launched a major offensive against Yemeni government forces, seizing control of the Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait, crucial to Saudi oil exports.

The Saudi coalition vowed to defend against the "terrorist" Houthi militia, promising to take necessary measures. Qatar warned that closing the Bab al-Mandab would have catastrophic global consequences, as the strait is the gateway to the Suez Canal.