Saudi Arabia Calls Mecca a ‘Red Line’ After Alleged Houthi Drone Attack

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday accused the Iran-backed Houthis of an attempted drone attack targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Colonel Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen, stated that the drone was shot down by Saudi Air Defense Forces before entering Mecca's restricted airspace on Tuesday evening.

"The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line," Al-Malki said, warning that the Saudi-led coalition would "not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures" against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia referenced a similar incident in July 2017, when it accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca. At that time, the Houthis acknowledged launching a missile from Yemen but claimed it was aimed at the King Fahd air base in Taif.

The Yemeni militia group has denied the recent allegation, calling Riyadh's claims "false accusations." Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated via Telegram that "There is no threat from Yemen to the holy sites. Our operations target its oil facilities and military bases, and are far from the holy sites."

The accusation comes amid a widening regional crisis. Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast are threatening shipping and energy supplies, which are already impacted by the conflict involving Iran and drawing concern from the U.S. and its allies.

Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, questioned the strategic benefit for the Houthis of targeting Mecca. He noted that over 1.7 million Muslims performed the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca this year, according to Saudi government figures.

"For the Houthis, as a religiously dominant organization, this would be catastrophic for them—to target Mecca," Gerges told TIME. "It’s a lose-lose for them." He suggested another possibility: "The Houthis are using drones and homemade missiles, so there is a real possibility that the Houthi drone basically misfired."

Gerges assessed that Saudi Arabia is using the allegation to frame the Houthis not just as political and geo-economic adversaries, but as threats to Islam's most sacred site. "Both sides are now engaged not only in military hostilities, but also for the hearts and minds of Arabs and Muslims," he added.

The Houthis claimed that Saudi aircraft conducted more than 450 airstrikes in Yemen this week and also alleged they shot down a Saudi-led coalition F-15, though they provided no evidence. Houthi strikes have primarily focused along the Yemeni border and in the Red Sea, with recent advances including the capture of key sites like Perim Island and the port of Mokha. These gains strengthen their control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping lane with potential implications for global trade and oil prices.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz also remains disrupted by ongoing conflict. The price of Brent crude oil climbed above $100 per barrel earlier this week, falling slightly to over $105 by Wednesday. Experts warn that continued Saudi-Houthi exchanges could further drive up prices.

Amid these developments, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a War Powers Resolution aimed at ending U.S. military action against Iran. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in the 220-204 vote. Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa stated that while Iran must be held accountable, "with the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization." He added, "I will not support another open-ended war. We can defend Americans, pressure Iran, and pursue peace while ensuring Congress fulfills its constitutional responsibility."

President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential return to negotiations with Iran, suggesting the conflict might persist until after the midterm elections. The House vote is largely symbolic, as Trump would likely veto the resolution.

In response to rising security concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh prohibited American officials in Saudi Arabia from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemeni border as of Wednesday. The embassy also issued a travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to armed conflict, Iranian missile and drone attacks, and Houthi threats.

Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged U.S. concern over the Houthi advances, stating that the administration is "very much on top of" the situation and in constant contact with regional allies. He also indicated direct communication with the Houthis.

President Trump stated over the weekend that he had spoken with the Houthis, suggesting they would prefer less U.S. involvement. He reiterated a previous warning that any blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would be addressed by the U.S. A Houthi spokesperson stated on Monday that the Strait "is free for navigation for all countries except for Saudi Arabia."

Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, suggested that Saudi Arabia's partners Turkey and Pakistan might find domestic legitimacy in supporting Riyadh following the alleged Mecca attack. However, Fawaz Gerges expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such support, citing the lack of integrated armies and the need for ground forces, which he believes Saudi Arabia lacks.

Gerges suggested diplomacy as a more viable option, noting the Houthis' resilience and control within Yemen. He doubted the viability of an all-out military option against them. Oman and Qatar have previously acted as mediators in the Yemen conflict and could play a role in future talks.