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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Hannah Ellis-Petersen and agencies

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

Pilgrims in white robes gather at night before the Kaaba at Mecca's Grand Mosque
Saudi Arabia says it shot down a Houthi drone close to the holy city of Mecca. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Saudi Arabia has claimed its air defences intercepted and destroyed a ⁠Houthi drone attempting to fly over the holy city of Mecca, as Saudi warplanes continued to pound Yemen, raising fears of the conflict spreading further across the Middle East.

The Saudi-led military coalition said the security of Mecca – home to Islam’s two holiest sites – was a “red line” and that it would take necessary measures against the ⁠Houthis.

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