Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of attacking Mecca, warns holy city is a ‘red line’

Saudi Arabia has accused the Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam’s holiest city, declaring Mecca a “red line” in the escalating conflict. The kingdom’s claim drew condemnation from across the Middle East, but no immediate sign of military support as fears grew of a return to all-out war between the key U.S. ally and the Yemeni rebels. The Houthis swiftly denied targeting Mecca, saying their operations had targeted Saudi oil facilities and military bases, “far removed” from the sacred site of the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. They accused Saudi Arabia of spreading “fabrications and lies.” The Houthis’ rapid ground advance in Yemen and aerial attacks on Saudi Arabia have shut down a crucial oil pipeline, threatened energy supplies through a second major shipping route and left the kingdom struggling to respond.