Saudi Coalition Accuses Houthis of Targeting Mecca

The Saudi-led coalition accused Yemen's Houthis of targeting Mecca, Islam's holy city, which has provoked outrage among Muslims worldwide. The Houthis rejected the accusation as a "lie," claiming that Saudi Arabia's statement about intercepting a drone aimed at Mecca was false.

The conflict has escalated, with the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea and taking control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Saudi coalition emphasized that the security of Mecca and its pilgrims is a "red line" and promised necessary retaliatory measures against the Houthis.

Residents of Mecca expressed fear and confusion over the situation, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the alleged attacks. The ongoing conflict has displaced 82,000 people since early September, according to the United Nations, as Yemen's government seeks to restore national institutions and calls for international action against the Houthis.