The Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthi rebel group of attempting to send drones to attack Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and warned that this is a red line that must not be crossed.
On Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026, the Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen accused the armed group of targeting Mecca, Islam's holy city, sparking widespread outrage across the Muslim world.
The statement said they successfully shot down drones headed to Mecca and declared firmly that the coalition will retaliate because "the security of the two holy mosques and the pilgrims is a red line that cannot be crossed."
“The coalition will not hesitate to take necessary and decisive measures to suppress the Houthi terrorist group.”
On the previous Tuesday, Saudi Arabia issued warnings of possible attacks on Mecca and several southern areas for a period, causing alarm among residents, though daily life continued as usual.
However, the Houthis immediately responded, calling the Saudi coalition’s statement “lies.” Hashem al-Assad from the Houthi political bureau posted on X that "the allegations of targeting Mecca are repeated lies previously used and can no longer deceive anyone."
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the place where the Quran was first revealed in the Cave of Hira. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel to this city to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
“I won’t hide that we are afraid,” a Mecca resident who wished to remain anonymous told AFP. “Or you could say we’re shocked. Aren’t they Muslims? They are targeting the holiest city. What could possibly justify making it a target?”
Mecca is heavily guarded by security forces to control crowds and protect sacred sites, especially during the annual Hajj. During this year’s pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Defense released videos showing advanced air defense systems installed on Mecca’s outskirts.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 Muslim countries, condemned the Houthi attacks as "brutal assaults on the cities of Mecca and Medina."
The renewed fighting between the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government erupted again in July, drawing Saudi Arabia into the conflict. The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea to disrupt oil shipments.
Last week, the Houthis seized the entire Red Sea coast of Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait while intensifying attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
U.S. media reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the current situation but was refused. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to provide intelligence and planning support to the Saudi military.
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Source:cna