Houthi leader vows to protect Mecca and rejects Saudi accusations

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A Saudi-led coalition spokesperson says Saudi air defences shot down a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city's restricted airspace.
Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attempting to attack Mecca and called the security of holy sites a strict red line.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi rejected the accusation, saying his forces' operations target only Saudi military bases, airbases and oil-related assets.
The Houthis say the facilities they have struck, including a Yanbu facility and Taif airbase, are far from the holy sites.
The dispute matters because Saudi Arabia has warned it will take necessary steps to protect pilgrims and holy sites, raising the risk of further escalation.

Any further Saudi-led coalition statements or measures to protect holy sites and pilgrims.
Whether Houthi attacks continue to focus on Saudi oil and military targets.
Possible escalation or retaliation following the drone interception near Mecca.

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Indian-language1

All filed from India

Named Saudi Arabia · Yemen · Mecca · Abdul Malik al-Houthi · Houthi movement · Turki Al-Maliki · Yahya Saree

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