From the Guardian · Agencies · · 1m 10s
Saudi Arabia says Houthi drone neared Mecca
Riyadh warned the Houthis after a drone was shot down near Mecca, raising pressure in a widening regional conflict.
In brief
Riyadh warned the Houthis after a drone was shot down near Mecca, raising pressure in a widening regional conflict. A drone near Mecca turned the Yemen war into a religious and security flashpoint for Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Drone near Mecca
Saudi air defences shot down a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace over Islam's holiest city.
“intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca”
Riyadh draws a line
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the safety of the holy sites and pilgrims was a red line, and warned of deterrent action against the Houthis.
“red line”
Why Mecca matters
Mecca is the centre of the annual hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam's five pillars, drawing millions of Muslims each year.
“the focal point of the annual hajj pilgrimage”
Houthis deny it
Houthi spokesperson Hazem al-Assad rejected the Saudi claim, saying accusations of targeting Mecca were an old lie.
“a worn-out lie that has been used before”
Muslim bloc condemns attack
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation blamed the Houthis and condemned what it called aggression against Saudi Arabia.
“ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”
Conflict reaches shipping lanes
The Houthis control parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast near Bab al-Mandab, a key shipping strait, and have claimed recent attacks on Saudi targets.
“one of the world’s most important shipping straits”
The takeaway
A drone near Mecca turned the Yemen war into a religious and security flashpoint for Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world.
