Saudi says Houthis targeted Mecca with a drone, Iran-backed group rejects claim
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the strike as a "heinous" attack. Mecca is Islam's holiest site and the focal point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthis accused the rebels of targeting the holy city of Mecca with a drone. According to the coalition, its forces intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca before it entered the prohibited airspace over the holy city.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, rejected the accusation, calling it a "lie" and a "worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone". Hazem al-Assad from the Houthis' politburo made the statement on X.
The incident sparked outrage across the Muslim world, with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemning the strike as a "heinous" attack. The Saudi coalition vowed retaliation, warning that the security of holy sites was a "red line" and that it would take necessary deterrent measures against the Houthis.
Brief written by urgent.news from CNBC, Dawn, Live Mint, Daily Times, Free Malaysia Today — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Saudi-led coalition says Houthis targeted Makkah with drone, warns of 'red line' dawn.com
- Houthi drone near Mecca: Saudi Arabia draws ‘red line’ — has Makkah Pact been tested? livemint.com
- Saudi says Houthis target Makkah, warn of 'red line' nst.com.my
- War: OIC reacts as Houthi forces attack holy city of Mecca dailypost.ng
- Saudi says Houthis targeted Mecca with a drone, Iran-backed group rejects claim cnbc.com
