Saudi Arabia calls an attempted Mecca attack a 'red line' as Houthis deny they did it
Saudi Arabia has declared Mecca a 'red line' following an alleged drone attack attempt by Houthi rebels, which the group denies. The incident occurs amidst heightened regional tensions and concerns over oil infrastructure security.
Why it matters
Escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supply chains and tests the strength of regional defense alliances.
CAIRO — Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels overnight of trying to attack Islam's holiest city, prompting condemnation from countries in the region but no sign of military support. The kingdom, a key U.S. ally, declared Mecca a "red line" as it slid deeper into the new front of the Iran war.
With the world's biggest oil exporter under fire from the rebels backed by the Saudis' regional adversary, Tehran, the kingdom needs a safe outlet for its crude as well as military support. However, a path to either one remains unclear.
A crucial Saudi pipeline has reportedly been shut down for weeks as the Yemen-based Houthis have been attacking infrastructure in the kingdom as well as its shipping on the Red Sea. Iran is still targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel.
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