Houthis Accused of Targeting Mecca as Yemen Conflict Escalates

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Houthi rebels of targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city, sparking outrage across the Muslim world.

The Houthis swiftly rejected the accusation as a 'lie' and claimed they had shot down a Saudi fighter jet in retaliation for Riyadh's airstrikes on their positions.

The conflict has escalated with the Houthi declaration of a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the alleged attack as a 'cowardly terrorist act' and reaffirmed its right to defend the security of Mecca and its territory.

The Houthi rebels have made significant gains in recent weeks, seizing control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is crucial for Saudi oil exports.