Saudi Arabia Threatens Retaliation After Iran-Backed Houthis Targeted Mecca with Drone Attack– slaynews.com

Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of launching a one-way attack drone toward Mecca, prompting the kingdom to declare the security of Islam’s holiest sites a “red line” as the escalating Gulf conflict places growing pressure on critical global energy routes.

The Saudi-led coalition said the drone was intercepted while heading toward Mecca and warned that it would take “necessary and deterrent measures” in response.

“The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line, and the Joint Forces Command of the coalition will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures against the Terrorist Houthi Militia,” the kingdom said.

The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, with Hazem al-Assad of the group’s politburo calling the accusation a “worn-out lie.”

The incident comes as the conflict increasingly threatens Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and two of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.