Houthi official denies Saudi claim of drone attack on Mecca

A Houthi politburo member dismissed a Saudi‑led coalition report on Wednesday that claimed its forces had downed a rebel drone en route to Mecca, the Islam’s holiest city. Hazem al‑Assad posted on X that the allegation of targeting Mecca is “a worn‑out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone,” rejecting the coalition’s assertion that the unmanned aircraft was intercepted as it approached the sacred site.

The statement comes amid the ongoing conflict between the Yemeni Houthi movement and the Saudi‑backed coalition, which has periodically accused the rebels of attempting attacks on religious landmarks. While the coalition’s claim has not been independently verified, the Houthis’ denial underscores the contested narratives surrounding aerial engagements in the region. The dispute adds another layer to the broader hostilities, with both sides continuing to trade accusations while the situation remains fluid.