Saudi Arabia: Houthis Crossed a Red Line, We Will Not Hesitate to Retaliate!

Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthi group of targeting the Muslim holy city of Makkah in one of its recent attacks. Riyadh authorities warned that the security of holy sites within its territory constitutes a “red line” that must not be violated.

Brigadier General Turki al-Maksari, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, confirmed on Wednesday (16/09/2026) that forces will retaliate against the Houthi attacks. “The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line, and the Coalition Joint Forces Command will not hesitate to take necessary action and provide a deterrent against the Houthi terrorist militia,” Al-Maksari stated via X.

Al-Maksari previously noted that forces had intercepted at least one Houthi drone heading towards Makkah. The drone was reportedly intercepted before entering prohibited airspace, with debris falling south of the holy city.

Al-Maksari revealed that this incident marks the second attempt by the Houthis to target Makkah, following a ballistic missile launch towards the city on 27 July 2017. The drone attack prompted Saudi authorities to issue a brief warning on Tuesday (15/09) regarding potential attacks in Makkah and broader southern regions bordering Yemen.

The Houthis, allied with Iran, quickly dismissed the Saudi allegations, labelling them “stale lies.” Hazem al-Assad of the Houthi politburo stated on X that such claims are old tactics that can no longer deceive anyone.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the Houthi drone attacks directed at Makkah and Madinah, describing the actions as a heinous attack and an ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This escalation occurs as the Houthis have re-engaged in combat with Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia, following a period of relative calm since the 2022 ceasefire. The recent fighting has drawn Saudi Arabia deeper into the conflict, with the Houthis previously announcing a maritime blockade against Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.

The group has also claimed responsibility for large-scale missile and drone operations targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, threatening to expand their strike range further into Saudi territory. Last week, the group seized control of the Yemeni coastal areas along the Red Sea and strategic islands in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital corridor for global shipping and Saudi oil exports.