Saudi Accuses Houthis of Drone Attack on Mecca, Declares Holy City a 'Red Line'

Saudi Arabia’s coalition has publicly accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of launching a drone toward Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. The Houthis have denied the allegation. In a statement, Saudi officials warned that Mecca is a ‘red line’—any attack on the city would trigger a severe response. The claim comes amid ongoing hostilities in Yemen, where the Houthis and Saudi-led forces have fought for years. By labeling Mecca a red line, Saudi Arabia signals that it will not tolerate any threat to the city, potentially prompting a heightened military posture in the region. The accusation raises the stakes for both sides and could influence future diplomatic or military actions in the Gulf.