Saudi Arabia Says It Shot Down a Huthi Drone Near Mecca, Islam’s Holiest City
Saudi officials said the drone was intercepted before reaching Mecca, while the Houthis denied the attack and regional leaders condemned the escalation.
- On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to strike Mecca with a drone, declaring Islam's holiest city a "red line" as the kingdom faces a new front in the regional war.
- Saudi officials said they intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered airspace over the Prophet Muhammad's birthplace, about 1,100 kilometers from Yemen's border. The Houthis denied firing the weapon.
- Condemnation came from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representing over 57 Muslim states, which said the attempt violates the "sanctity of holy sites." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkey's foreign minister expressed solidarity with the Saudis.
- Despite regional condemnation, nations have offered no military support. Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that Washington is in "constant contact" with the Saudis, while President Donald Trump stated the rebels appear focused on the kingdom.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with China seeking "the restoration of calm to the region," as oil prices remain above $100 a barrel amid concerns over fighting spreading to the Red Sea.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Ryad, an ally of the Yemeni government recognized by the international community, has since the beginning of September been the target of large-scale houthy strikes in a conflict that woke up in July, opening a new front in the regional war. At the same time, the Houthis took control of the Yemeni coast bordering the Red Sea, strengthening their grip on the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting Europe with Asia via the Red Sea and the Suez …
A coalition led by Riade claims that it intercepted the apparatus "south of Mecca". The most sacred place of Islam will have been targeted for the second time. Houthis deny and classify the accusation as "liar".
This Wednesday Saudi Arabia claimed to have thwarted a drone attack launched by the Houthis of Yemen against the holy city of Mecca. The rebels described the accusation as “a repeated lie.” Turki al Maliki, a Saudi military spokesman, stated in a statement that his Armed Forces “intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by ... Continue reading “Saudi Arabia claims to have intercepted an attack by the Houthi rebels against Mecca”
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
