Saudi Arabia warns holy sites are red line after Houthi drone intercepted
Saudi Arabia has declared its holy sites a red line after intercepting a Houthi drone south of Mecca, amid escalating conflict and regional oil pipeline closures.
Saudi Arabia Warns of "Red Line" After Houthi Drone Intercepted
Saudi Arabia's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city, according to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition. The drone, intercepted on Tuesday, marked the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca after a ballistic missile launch in 2017. The security of holy sites is a "red line", the spokesperson warned.Houthis Deny Involvement in Mecca Attack
The Houthis have denied carrying out the attack, with political bureau member Mohammed al-Farah calling the allegation "an outright lie" in comments carried by the Houthi-run SABA news agency.Escalation of Fighting Between Houthis and Saudi Coalition
The latest flare-up follows a dramatic escalation in fighting between the Houthis and the coalition, after the Yemeni group seized control of parts of the Red Sea coast, threatening Saudi oil exports, and launched strikes over the border. The Houthis have announced several major attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past week, including attacks on an air base on Monday, which they said were in retaliation for airstrikes on Yemen.Impact on Global Oil Supply
The conflict has disrupted global oil supply, with the East-West pipeline linking Saudi Arabia's Gulf oil fields to the Red Sea shut down after an attack on Friday. Traders say a prolonged closure could cut off as much as 4% of global oil supply. The pipeline has been Riyadh's main export route with Iran and the US disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Length of East-West Pipeline | 1,200 km (745 miles) |
| Potential impact on global oil supply | Up to 4% of global oil supply could be cut off |
International Response
The incident has drawn condemnation from several countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with Saudi Arabia's allies offering diplomatic support but no military intervention. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined the condemnation of the attempted drone attack on Mecca and said his country and the Saudis stand "unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder". The US has indicated a lack of desire to get involved in the conflict, with President Donald Trump saying the Houthis had indicated they did not want to fight the US.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Mecca in Islam?
Mecca is Islam's holiest city and the focal point of the hajj pilgrimage, which millions of Muslims undertake each year.
What is the current status of the East-West pipeline?
The pipeline has been shut down after an attack on Friday, and traders say a prolonged closure could cut off as much as 4% of global oil supply.
How has the international community responded to the incident?
The incident has drawn condemnation from several countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with Saudi Arabia's allies offering diplomatic support but no military intervention.
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