# Saudi-Houthi conflict reignites over Mecca drone attack

> Yemen's Houthis deny targeting Islam's holiest city as Saudi Arabia launches retaliatory airstrikes and regional tensions escalate.
- Title: Saudi-Houthi conflict reignites over Mecca drone attack
- Summary: Yemen's Houthis deny targeting Islam's holiest city as Saudi Arabia launches retaliatory airstrikes and regional tensions escalate. The resurgence of…
- Keywords: breaking, saudi arabia, houthis, yemen, mecca, drone attack, airstrikes, red sea, maritime blockade, middle east conflict, bab al-mandab strait, news
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/17/saudi-accuses-houthis-of-cowardly-drone-attack-on-mecca-launches-airstrikes-at-yemen/235455
- Published: 2026-09-17T09:00:26+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, saudi arabia, houthis, yemen, mecca, drone attack, airstrikes, red sea, maritime blockade, middle east conflict, bab al-mandab strait, news
## Houthis deny Mecca drone attack
Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Houthis of launching a drone at Islam's holiest city on Wednesday. The Houthis immediately rejected the claim as a "worn-out lie."

> a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone
## Saudi Arabia retaliates with airstrikes
The Saudi-led coalition launched 40 airstrikes on Wednesday targeting Taiz, Marib, and Hodeidah provinces. Over 450 strikes have been fired in the past week.
## Houthis claim they shot down fighter jet
The Houthi military spokesman said the group shot down a Saudi fighter jet and targeted a Saudi air base and oil facility in Yanbu.
## Mecca residents report panic and alerts
Residents received phone alerts warning of an attack. One person said they saw people panicking and running to windows, though life remained normal overall.

> saw a few people panicking, running to the window to see what happened
## Muslim world condemns alleged attack
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, representing 57 Muslim countries, condemned the "heinous attacks." Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Pakistan also voiced outrage.
## Houthis control Yemen's Red Sea coast
Last week, the Houthis seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route for Saudi oil exports.
## Maritime blockade threatens global shipping
The Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President al-Sisi called for free navigation in the waterway.
## Yemen's civil war reignites after dormancy
Yemen's conflict has been largely dormant since 2022, but fighting flared in July when Houthis launched a large-scale offensive against government forces.
## Over 100,000 displaced by renewed fighting
The United Nations reports that more than 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the renewed conflict in Yemen.
## Government forces battle near Saudi border
Yemeni government forces are clashing with Houthis near the Saudi border, fighting for control of Al-Labanat camp to clear a path toward Al-Hazm, 50 kilometres away.
## Trump declines Saudi request for intervention
US media reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested US military intervention from President Donald Trump, but was turned down.
## US provides intelligence support instead
While declining direct intervention, a US military task force is working to enhance intelligence-sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces.
## Houthis deny threat to non-Saudi shipping
The Houthis insist there is no threat to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait except for Saudi vessels, but any attacks are likely to deter shippers.
## Key takeaway

The resurgence of Saudi-Houthi fighting threatens global shipping routes and draws international condemnation, with the Houthis now controlling Yemen's Red Sea coast.