Muslim Nations Condemn Houthi Attacks After Drone Downed Near Mecca

Saudi Arabia's air defenses downed a Houthi drone Tuesday south of Mecca, outside the city's prohibited airspace, according to a statement from the Saudi-led military coalition. This marks the second reported Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in July 2017. Houthi officials have denied responsibility for the latest incident.

Mecca is home to the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, condemned the "heinous attacks" by the Iranian-backed Houthis against "the city of Makkah and the Madinah region." The OIC, which comprises 58 nation-states, stated that these attacks "instill fear in innocent civilians, violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, and provoke the sentiment of Muslims around the world." The organization also expressed its support for "all measures taken by the [Saudi] Kingdom to deter the aggressors."

The Saudi-led coalition initiated military operations in March 2015 against the Houthi rebels in Yemen in support of the recognized Yemeni government.

On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet using a "locally made air-to-air missile" while it was conducting operations in the airspace of Marib province. The Houthi military stated the aircraft was targeted while supporting its forces.

Recent Houthi advances include the capture of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial alternate shipping route. Disruptions in this strait could impact global supply chains and energy prices, which have already surpassed $100 per barrel.

The United Nations Security Council met Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari emphasized the "urgent need to prevent Yemen’s conflict from further threatening the security of the Red Sea and this vital international maritime route." While commercial shipping flows through the Red Sea have so far remained unaffected, Khiari stressed the need for de-escalation and safeguarding freedom of navigation.

Since September, at least 125,000 people have been displaced across Yemen. The UN noted that Yemen's government has carried out "extensive air strikes" against the Houthis.

Earlier on Saturday, drones reportedly launched from Iraq targeted Saudi Arabia’s East-West Crude Oil Pipeline, causing a temporary shutdown for repairs. This attack interrupted a critical artery Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, Saudi Arabia has informed European refiners of potential cancellations or delays for some September-loading crude cargoes, with loadings at the Red Sea port of Yanbu suspended.

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, maintaining a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" warning due to risks including drone and missile attacks, armed conflict, and terrorism. U.S. government employees face restrictions on travel near the Yemen border and to certain provinces.

Reports indicate that Israel is closely monitoring the situation and has opened a channel for direct security discussions with Saudi Arabia, expressing concern over the U.S. stance on military involvement in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is expected to increase airstrikes against the Houthis, potentially with U.S. intelligence support.

In Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, reaffirming a commitment to ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Egypt’s presidency reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia, noting that disruptions in Red Sea transit would significantly impact its economy.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also met with U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah to discuss regional developments.