Saudi officials have reported that a drone strike, allegedly launched by the Houthi rebels from Yemen, was successfully intercepted before reaching the sacred city of Mecca. This incident is notable as it marks the first instance of emergency alerts being issued for this revered location during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The drone was neutralized south of Mecca on Tuesday, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition engaged in combat against the Iran-affiliated Houthis. According to coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki, the security of Islam’s two holiest sites, along with the safety of pilgrims, is a critical priority, and the coalition will implement necessary measures to deter any further threats from the rebel group.
Mecca, which houses sites of immense significance for Muslims globally, serves as the most sacred city in Islam and is the destination for the annual hajj pilgrimage, a fundamental practice for millions of Muslims each year. Al-Malki indicated that this incident represents the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, recalling a ballistic missile launch attributed to them in July 2017.
In response to this threat, Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across various regions, including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, and other cities, following a recent wave of assaults by Iran-aligned groups that have intensified the kingdom’s involvement in the regional conflict. These alerts, notably the first for Mecca since the outbreak of the Middle East war, were swiftly rescinded, according to the Saudi civil defense authorities.
A military representative of the Houthis refuted claims that they posed any danger to Mecca or other sacred sites, as reported by the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency. Meanwhile, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the drone attack, labeling it a “heinous” act by the Houthis.
The Houthis have gained control over segments of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, which overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb, a crucial shipping route that poses a threat to Saudi oil exports redirected from the Strait of Hormuz. In the last week, the group has undertaken several significant attacks on Saudi targets, including an air base, claiming these actions are in retaliation for airstrikes on Yemen.
As this situation unfolds, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is actively seeking support from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, an ally across the Red Sea, amid the ongoing Houthi assaults on Saudi maritime and infrastructural assets, which have contributed to rising global oil prices.
Saudi Arabia has faced challenges in independently countering the Iranian-backed rebels, who have rapidly expanded their territorial control in Yemen and enhanced their capacity to disrupt Saudi oil exports from the Red Sea. A recent attack that damaged the kingdom’s largest oil pipeline further underscored the vulnerability of its oil production capabilities. Reports indicate that this attack was conducted by Iranian-aligned militias based in Iraq.
The damage to the East-West Pipeline means it will be out of service for several weeks as repairs are made, potentially removing millions of barrels of oil from the market daily. The Houthi offensive has introduced a new dimension to the Middle East war and has bolstered Iran’s position, Saudi Arabia’s historical adversary, which has also targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions with President el-Sisi in Cairo, where they reaffirmed their mutual commitment to ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Statements from el-Sisi’s office emphasized Egypt’s steadfast support for Saudi Arabia.
While it is unlikely that Egypt will provide direct military assistance, its regional influence can be pivotal in garnering support. Egypt has played a central role in mediating the ongoing turmoil in the region over the past three years, maintaining relations with all parties involved, including Iran and its allies.
