Houthis Accused of Targeting Mecca as Conflict with Saudi Arabia Escalates

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been accused by Saudi Arabia of targeting Islam's holy city, Mecca. The accusation was made after a drone was reportedly shot down by the Saudi-led coalition near Mecca, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year. However, the Houthis swiftly rejected the claim as a 'lie'.

The conflict between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government has escalated in recent weeks, with the Houthis seizing control of the Red Sea coast and declaring a maritime blockade on Saudi ships. The move is likely to disrupt oil exports from Saudi Arabia, which are already being impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the 'heinous attacks' on Mecca and the Madinah region. The OIC represents 57 Muslim countries. Yemen's permanent representative to the UN, Abdullah al-Saadi, called for international action against the Houthis, saying they are fighting to restore national institutions across the country.

The Saudi-led coalition has vowed retaliation against the Houthi rebels, calling the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims a 'red line'. The conflict has already forced 82,000 people to flee their homes since September, according to the UN. The Houthis have also targeted oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, pushing global prices above $100-a-barrel.