Saudi-led coalition claims Houthi drone targeted Mecca, Houthis deny allegations

The Saudi-led coalition stated that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone deployed by the Houthi movement just outside Mecca. The coalition accused the Houthis of targeting the holy city, which has drawn condemnation from the Muslim community. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki emphasized that the security of the Two Holy Mosques is a 'red line' and warned of necessary actions against the Houthi militia. The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces reported that the drone was destroyed before entering Mecca's airspace. The Houthis denied the coalition's claims, with Hazem al-Assad, a senior member of the Houthi movement, calling the accusations a 'worn-out lie.' The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 Muslim nations, condemned the alleged attack, stating that violations of holy sites are unacceptable. The conflict in Yemen has increasingly affected Saudi Arabia, with Houthi attacks injuring 13 people on Monday night, raising the total to around 100 since July. The Houthis also blocked Saudi oil shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in July. In response to the escalating conflict, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought support from Egypt, focusing on maritime security in the region. Additionally, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a travel advisory for American citizens, citing risks associated with Iranian drone and missile targeting.