Saudi Arabia Condemns Huthi Drone Attack Near Mecca as Regional Tensions Escalate

Saudi Arabia announced that it successfully intercepted and destroyed a Huthi drone near Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, on Tuesday, prompting widespread regional condemnation of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group. Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition Forces, stated that the group targeted the city, marking the first time in nearly a decade that the Huthis directed an attack toward Mecca. Emphasizing that the security of the holy site is a "red line," he warned that the kingdom "will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures" against the Yemeni group.

Conversely, the Huthis strongly denied the accusations. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesman, stated early Wednesday that their targets were Saudi oil facilities and military bases "far removed from the holy places." Saree dismissed the claims as fabrications by the criminal Saudi regime, maintaining that there is no threat from Yemen to the holy sites. Saudi Arabia reported that the drone was intercepted before entering Mecca’s restricted airspace, without providing specific details on its proximity to the city.

The incident drew sharp international rebuke. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the strikes for violating the sanctity of holy sites and mosques. Additionally, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the action as a "dastardly and heinous" act, reaffirming his country's support for Saudi Arabia despite not explicitly naming the Huthis.

The aerial interception occurred amid intensifying conflict, which included Huthi ballistic missile and drone strikes on several Saudi cities such as Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, resulting in 13 civilian injuries. Further attacks targeted a Saudi military base and a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu. In retaliation, Saudi forces conducted airstrikes across Huthi-held regions of Yemen. Meanwhile, the disruptions and fighting have severely impacted regional oil operations, leading to suspended oil loadings at Yanbu and halted supplies to Europe as oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel amid ongoing clashes involving the US and Iran.