Saudi Arabia has claimed it intercepted a drone launched by the Houthi group toward Mecca, a holy city in the kingdom. The Houthi movement has rejected the claim, calling it a "nauseating lie." The incident occurred in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway in the Red Sea.
The Saudi military said the drone was detected and neutralized before it could reach its intended target. Officials emphasized the threat posed by Houthi attacks, which have been escalating in recent months. The Houthi group, based in Yemen, has consistently denied involvement in such attacks, accusing Saudi Arabia of fabricating evidence to justify its military campaign.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in a conflict since 2015. The Houthi group has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including a strike on Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
The situation underscores the volatility of the region, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The international community continues to monitor the conflict, which has had significant implications for regional security and energy markets.
