Saudi Arabia Declares Mecca a 'Red Line' After Houthi Attack Attempt
Saudi Arabia has declared Mecca a 'red line' after accusing Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam's holiest city.
The kingdom, a key US ally, is seeking military assistance and a safe outlet for its crude oil exports as the region responds with condemnation.
The Houthis have been targeting infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including shutting down a crucial pipeline for weeks after an attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, and seizing several islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Turkey and Pakistan say they haven't received a request from Saudi Arabia for military support under their new defense pact, but have expressed solidarity with the kingdom amid condemnation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other countries.