Tensions are rising in Saudi Arabia following a series of Houthi attacks, including the interception of a drone near Mecca.
The Saudi-led military coalition said the drone was destroyed south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the city’s restricted airspace.
The coalition stressed that security in Mecca remains a serious concern, as the city is home to important Islamic holy sites and serves as the center of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Houthi officials, however, denied that Mecca was the target of the operation and rejected Saudi Arabia’s allegation.
The incident came amid a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past week, including an assault on an air base that reportedly wounded 13 civilians.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s oil transport operations have also been affected after its East-West Pipeline was shut down following a separate attack on Friday.
Traders said a prolonged shutdown could disrupt as much as 4% of global oil supply.
(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)
