Saudi Arabia calls attempted attack on Mecca a 'red line' as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam's holiest city after military air defenses intercepted and destroyed an alleged drone before it entered the airspace over Mecca. The kingdom declared the security of the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad a "red line" following the incident, which occurred approximately 1,100 kilometers from the Yemeni border.

The attempted attack drew regional condemnation for the Houthis, who denied firing drones toward Mecca. While Saudi Arabia labeled the action a critical escalation, the accusation prompted no immediate sign of military support from allies.