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

The Iran-aligned militant group rejected the suggestion it had targeted Mecca, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack

Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a ⁠Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city, according to a ⁠spokesperson for the ⁠Saudi-led ​military coalition which is fighting the Iran-aligned group in Yemen.

The security of Islam’s two holiest sites and of pilgrims was a “red line”, ⁠coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said early on Wednesday, adding that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the ⁠Houthis.