Houthis Accused of Targeting Mecca as Yemen Conflict Escalates
The conflict in Yemen has escalated, with Saudi Arabia accusing the Houthi rebels of targeting Mecca, Islam's holy city.
The Houthis swiftly rejected this claim as a 'lie' and said it was used before to create panic.
Fighting broke out last week when the Houthis seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital artery for Saudi oil exports.
The Houthi politburo called this claim 'worn-out', saying it no longer fooled anyone.
A Mecca resident described the alarm system as creating panic, but said life was normal in Mecca and there had been previous incidents.
Saudi Arabia has vowed retaliation, calling the security of the Two Holy Mosques a 'red line' and warning that necessary measures would be taken against the Houthis.