Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack on Mecca

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of launching a “cowardly” attack aimed at Islam’s holy city of Mecca, alleging that a drone was intercepted before it could reach the pilgrimage hub that draws millions of visitors each year. Riyadh’s statement said its air defenses shot down the unmanned aircraft, describing the incident as an assault on a sacred site and noting the potential threat to pilgrims.

The Houthis promptly rejected the claim, labeling it a lie and denying any involvement in an attack on Mecca. Their denial came amid widespread condemnation of the alleged assault across the Muslim world. The dispute adds another episode to the ongoing Saudi‑Houthi conflict, which has periodically threatened regional stability and the safety of religious gatherings, according to FRANCE 24’s Emerald Maxwell.