Saudi Arabia says Houthis target Mecca, warns of 'red line'

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Saudi Arabia Warns Houthis Over Mecca Drone Attack

   Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of targeting Islam's holiest city with a drone, declaring the holy site a red line. The Saudi coalition stated the drone was destroyed near Mecca, sparking regional outrage and condemnation from countries including India. Meanwhile, the Houthi movement rejected the accusation. Separately, the group claimed to have downed a Saudi fighter jet. Riyadh is also seeking international air defense support from countries like France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Egypt as missile interceptors run low amid the ongoing conflict.

   Why it matters

   The accusation marks a severe escalation in the conflict involving the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen's Houthi movement. Mecca holds supreme religious significance for Muslims worldwide, making any alleged strike on the location a critical threshold for Riyadh. The incident unfolds alongside wider regional hostilities involving Iran, drawing international concern and calls for stability.

   What is confirmed

   • The Saudi-led coalition stated that a Houthi drone was destroyed near Mecca on September 16.
   • Saudi Arabia declared Islam's holy city a red line following the incident.
   • The Houthi movement rejected the allegation that they targeted Mecca.
   • India expressed deep concern over the reported drone incident near Makkah and condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia's sovereign territory.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Houthi movement claimed they downed a Saudi fighter jet.

   What to watch next

   • Response from international allies regarding Saudi Arabia's requests for air defense support
   • Further developments in the broader conflict involving Iran and Houthi military actions
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. aljazeera.com — Iran war live: Iran’s top diplomat heads to China as war drags on
   2. dw.com — Saudi Arabia says Houthis target Mecca, warns of 'red line'
   3. CNBC — Saudi says Houthis targeted Mecca with a drone, Iran-backed group rejects claim
   4. The New York Times — Houthis Say They Downed a Saudi Fighter Jet and Deny Targeting Mecca
   5. NBC News — Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of attacking Mecca, warns holy city is a ‘red line’
   6. Reuters — Saudi coalition says Houthi drone destroyed near Mecca
   7. WTOP News — Saudi Arabia calls an attempted Mecca attack a ‘red line’ as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it
   8. www.nbcnews.com — Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of attacking Mecca, warns holy city is a ‘red line’
   9. www.hurriyetdailynews.com — Saudi says Houthis target Mecca, warns of ‘red line’
   10. www.outlookindia.com — Saudi Arabia Seeks France, UK, Pakistan, Egypt Air Defence Help As Missile Interceptors Run Low
   11. thepeninsulaqatar.com — Saudi says Houthis target Makkah, warns of 'red line'
   12. sundayguardianlive.com — US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: India Condemns Drone Attack Near Mecca In Saudi Arabia, MEA Calls For Peace & Regional Stability
   confidence 95%