Saudi Coalition Accuses Houthis of Targeting Mecca

The conflict in Yemen has escalated, with the Saudi-led coalition accusing the Houthi rebels of targeting Mecca for the first time since the current flare-up. The Houthis swiftly rejected this claim as a 'lie,' stating that it was used before and no longer fooled anyone.

The incident came after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The group has also taken control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is crucial for Saudi oil exports.

Riyadh warned that the security of holy sites was a 'red line,' vowing to take necessary measures against the Houthis. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the alleged attack on Mecca.