Drone intercepted near Mecca

Saudi Arabia says it destroyed a Houthi drone before it reached Mecca's airspace. The Houthis called the claim a worn-out lie.

“a deliberate act intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims”

First attack since 2017

Saudi Arabia issued its first security alert in Mecca since the Houthis last tried to target the holy city with a ballistic missile in 2017.

Islamic groups condemn strike

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation called it a heinous attack on Islam's holiest site, where millions gather for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Yemen truce collapses

A UN-brokered truce from April 2022 had stopped attacks on Saudi territory, but fighting resumed after Houthis blockaded Saudi shipping in July.

Pipeline attack hits oil supply

A pro-Iranian militia knocked out Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, putting 4 million barrels per day at risk and spiking crude prices.

Oil prices near four-month highs

Brent crude hit $107.8 per barrel and WTI reached $104.6 as the escalation rattles markets already strained by constrained Gulf shipping routes.

Hormuz traffic still recovering

Oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz rose to 12 million barrels daily, but that's still less than 60% of pre-war levels.

“This time there's virtually no Iranian crude”