Key Takeaways
- Saudi-led coalition claims Houthis targeted Makkah with a drone.
- Houthis reject the claim, calling it a 'worn-out lie'.
- OIC condemns the 'heinous' attack, while Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-led coalition has accused Yemen’s Houthis of targeting the holy city of Makkah with a drone, sparking outrage and deepening the conflict in the region.
The coalition, which has been battling the Houthis for years, issued a statement warning that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a 'red line'.
Hazem al-Assad, a member of the Houthis’ politburo, rejected the claim, stating that the reports are a 'worn-out lie' and no longer fool anyone.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the 'heinous' attack, while Pakistan’s Permanent Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The conflict has forced 82,000 people to flee their homes since the start of September, according to the United Nations.
The Saudi coalition has issued brief alerts over possible attacks in Makkah and across the kingdom’s south, which borders Yemen.
Fighting flared in July when the Houthis launched a large-scale offensive against Yemeni government forces, controlling swathes of northern Yemen.
Pakistan’s ambassador called for international action against the Houthis, emphasizing the need to diffuse tensions and advance peace and stability in the region.
The conflict has brought the situation to an 'extremely dangerous juncture', according to Pakistan’s ambassador.
The claims about targeting Makkah are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.
Hazem al-Assad, Member of the Houthis’ politburo
