Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, with a Saudi-led coalition spokesperson warning that the security of Islam's holiest sites is a 'red line'.
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Key facts
- Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday.
- The drone was destroyed before entering prohibited airspace over the holy city.
- Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki called the security of Islam's two holiest sites and pilgrims a 'red line'.
- The Houthis rejected the suggestion they had targeted Mecca.
- The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city, according to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Iran-aligned group in Yemen.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said early on Wednesday that the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and of pilgrims was a ‘red line’, according to the Guardian. He added that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the Houthis.
The Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran, rejected the suggestion that it had targeted Mecca. The group did not accept the coalition’s characterisation of the incident.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack, the Guardian reported.
The interception adds to tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who have been engaged in a long-running conflict in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition has repeatedly reported intercepting drones and missiles launched from Houthi-controlled territory.
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and a destination for millions of pilgrims each year, making any threat to its airspace an especially sensitive matter for Saudi authorities and the wider Muslim world.
Why it matters
Mecca is Islam's holiest city and draws millions of pilgrims, so any reported threat to its airspace carries significance well beyond Saudi Arabia. The coalition's 'red line' warning and pledge of deterrent measures signal the potential for further escalation in the conflict with the Houthis.
Frequently asked questions
What happened near Mecca?
Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city, according to a Saudi-led coalition spokesperson.
How did the Houthis respond?
The Iran-aligned militant group rejected the suggestion that it had targeted Mecca.
Did any international body react?
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Saudi Arabia says it shot down Houthi drone south of Mecca
BBC World: The Houthis deny targeting the Islamic holy city after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen accuses them of a "disgraceful act".
- Saudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’ after Houthi drone intercepted close to holy city of Mecca
The Guardian World: The Iran-aligned militant group rejected the suggestion it had targeted Mecca, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace