Saudi Arabia Labels Houthi Attack on Mecca a 'Red Line'

Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Mecca, Islam's holiest city, prompting widespread condemnation from regional countries. The kingdom has declared Mecca a 'red line' amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The Houthis denied launching drones towards Mecca, which is located approximately 1,100 kilometers from Yemen's border. Saudi officials reported intercepting and destroying a drone before it could enter the airspace over the city.

This incident marks the second attempted attack on Mecca by the Houthis, following a ballistic missile strike in 2017. In response to the recent escalation, officials from Turkey and Pakistan indicated that they had not received requests for military support from Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet, although this assertion remains unverified.