Houthi Drone Near Mecca Intercepted by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, on Tuesday, drawing condemnation from regional and Islamic organizations.

Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said it was the first time in nearly a decade that the Houthis had targeted the area around Mecca. He said a previous attempt involving a ballistic missile was intercepted in 2017.

The Houthis denied targeting Mecca. Their military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group’s targets were Saudi oil facilities and military bases located far from Islamic holy sites, CNN reports.

The incident comes amid an escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group has launched missiles and drones toward several Saudi cities, including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, with Saudi authorities reporting civilian injuries. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi military base.

The rebel group’s swift advance in Yemen and attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia in recent weeks have put the Gulf Arab kingdom in a increasingly difficult position, facing the prospect of being drawn into a wider conflict, as the US-Iran war drags on.

Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. All Muslims worldwide are required, if they are able, to make the pilgrimage to the holy city at least once in their life, with millions making the journey each year.

Saudi forces have responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to statements from the Houthi group.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority countries, condemned the reported attack, saying that targeting holy sites and civilian areas violates their sanctity and threatens civilians.

The OIC said attacks on Islamic holy sites are unacceptable and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. It also backed measures aimed at protecting the holy sites and preventing further attacks.

The latest escalation has also raised concerns over regional energy and shipping routes. The Houthis have expanded their military activity along the Red Sea, while the wider conflict involving Iran and the United States has increased pressure on key oil and shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices have remained above the $100-per-barrel level amid the broader regional tensions, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.