Saudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’ after Houthi drone intercepted close to holy city of Mecca

Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, preventing it from entering prohibited airspace. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki stated that the security of pilgrims and Islam's two holiest sites represents a red line, warning that necessary deterrent measures will be taken. While the Iran-aligned Houthi group rejected claims of targeting Mecca, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack amid escalating Houthi operations to squeeze Red Sea traffic.