Amid rising Saudi-Houthi conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Houthis. A report in Haaretz quoted a diplomatic source adding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed Israeli military involvement because of the likely backlash among the kingdom's public. Israel wants to become the part of the fight as Houthis are linked with Iran's Axis of Resistance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-accuses-houthis-of-driving-up-oil-prices-before-us-polls-warns-of-consequences-1791919871695">Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long pushed for Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel, following the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco's moves to establish relations with Tel Aviv in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. However, efforts to bring Riyadh on board have faced significant hurdles, particularly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Saudi Arabia has maintained that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel without substantial progress towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a position that remains at odds with Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-saudi-arabia-houthi-attacks-yemen-conflict-1791907334418">Trump warns Houthis, says Erdogan would do as asked on Saudi Arabia</a><h2>Saudi-Houthi conflict</h2> The tensions between Saudi and Houthis rose mid July this year when Saudi-backed Yemeni forces bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to block an Iranian civilian flight carrying Houthi delegates returning from Tehran. Riyadh claimed the flight also covertly carried Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military personnel and equipment intended to help the Houthis enforce a chokehold on the Red Sea. After months of a war of words, the Houthis have launched coordinated, multi-wave aerial attacks on Saudi. Recent attacks have directly struck Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco in Dhahran and Ras Tanura. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with intensive air campaigns targeting Houthi military sites, fuel depots, and positions around Sanaa and Hodeidah. Earlier in the week, deadly Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killed at least 13 people. Flights remain suspended and countries like the US, India and UK issue travel warnings for Saudi airports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Yemen's Houthis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed the proposal, citing fears of a public backlash, Haaretz reported.

Amid rising Saudi-Houthi conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Houthis. A report in Haaretz quoted a diplomatic source adding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed Israeli military involvement because of the likely backlash among the kingdom's public. Israel wants to become the part of the fight as Houthis are linked with Iran's Axis of Resistance. Also Read: Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long pushed for Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel, following the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco's moves to establish relations with Tel Aviv in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. However, efforts to bring Riyadh on board have faced significant hurdles, particularly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Saudi Arabia has maintained that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel without substantial progress towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a position that remains at odds with Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood. Also Read: Trump warns Houthis, says Erdogan would do as asked on Saudi Arabia Saudi-Houthi conflict The tensions between Saudi and Houthis rose mid July this year when Saudi-backed Yemeni forces bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to block an Iranian civilian flight carrying Houthi delegates returning from Tehran. Riyadh claimed the flight also covertly carried Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military personnel and equipment intended to help the Houthis enforce a chokehold on the Red Sea. After months of a war of words, the Houthis have launched coordinated, multi-wave aerial attacks on Saudi. Recent attacks have directly struck Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco in Dhahran and Ras Tanura. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with intensive air campaigns targeting Houthi military sites, fuel depots, and positions around Sanaa and Hodeidah. Earlier in the week, deadly Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killed at least 13 people. Flights remain suspended and countries like the US, India and UK issue travel warnings for Saudi airports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Yemen's Houthis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed the proposal, citing fears of a public backlash, Haaretz reported.

Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

Even as Yemeni government forces have mounted a counter-offensive against the Houthis, the Iran-backed group continues to directly attack Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;On the other hand, the much-touted Mecca pact is crumbling. Take a look at these visuals.Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was once again attacked by the Houthis.&nbsp;According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed, while several people of different nationalities were wounded. It also confirmed that an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia was damaged in the strikes.&nbsp;While the Houthis also claimed to have attacked Najran airport as well as the airbase in Khamis Mushait, Riyadh is yet to confirm the attack on Najran airport.&nbsp;In the previous round of airport strikes by the Houthis, three people had died, and 36 others were injured.&nbsp;This is not all. According to the Iran-backed group, it caused dozens of casualties by launching ballistic missiles at several weapons storage sites. It also claimed to have shot down a Saudi armed reconnaissance drone in the province of Taiz.&nbsp;On the other hand, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they had destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis. They have also reportedly launched an operation to take back control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;Amid this, the Mecca pact signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September is facing serious scrutiny.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/real-boss-of-india-elon-musk-escalates-attack-over-starlink-s-india-entry-1791566088852">‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry</a>&nbsp; For instance, Türkiye categorically ruled out sending troops to fight the Houthis and maintained that it was still exploring the extent of its assistance to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Similarly, Pakistan also affirmed that its military personnel would not enter Yemen to fight the Houthis. At the same time, it conceded that a substantial number of Pakistani forces were already deployed in Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity.&nbsp;According to reports, Saudi Arabia has reportedly decided not to agree to a ceasefire with the Houthis until the Yemeni government regains all the territory it has lost in recent weeks.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the war is having drastic consequences on the ground in Yemen. Around 200,000 people remain displaced; there has been an increase in cholera and malnutrition cases, and access to trauma care and hospitals remains limited.

The Houthis continue to attack Saudi targets as Yemeni government forces launch a counter-offensive, while Türkiye and Pakistan rule out sending troops to Yemen amid growing scrutiny of the Mecca pact and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Even as Yemeni government forces have mounted a counter-offensive against the Houthis, the Iran-backed group continues to directly attack Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the much-touted Mecca pact is crumbling. Take a look at these visuals. Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was once again attacked by the Houthis. According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed, while several people of different nationalities were wounded. It also confirmed that an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia was damaged in the strikes. While the Houthis also claimed to have attacked Najran airport as well as the airbase in Khamis Mushait, Riyadh is yet to confirm the attack on Najran airport. In the previous round of airport strikes by the Houthis, three people had died, and 36 others were injured. This is not all. According to the Iran-backed group, it caused dozens of casualties by launching ballistic missiles at several weapons storage sites. It also claimed to have shot down a Saudi armed reconnaissance drone in the province of Taiz. On the other hand, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they had destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis. They have also reportedly launched an operation to take back control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Amid this, the Mecca pact signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September is facing serious scrutiny. Also Read: ‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry For instance, Türkiye categorically ruled out sending troops to fight the Houthis and maintained that it was still exploring the extent of its assistance to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Pakistan also affirmed that its military personnel would not enter Yemen to fight the Houthis. At the same time, it conceded that a substantial number of Pakistani forces were already deployed in Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity. According to reports, Saudi Arabia has reportedly decided not to agree to a ceasefire with the Houthis until the Yemeni government regains all the territory it has lost in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the war is having drastic consequences on the ground in Yemen. Around 200,000 people remain displaced; there has been an increase in cholera and malnutrition cases, and access to trauma care and hospitals remains limited.

The Houthis continue to attack Saudi targets as Yemeni government forces launch a counter-offensive, while Türkiye and Pakistan rule out sending troops to Yemen amid growing scrutiny of the Mecca pact and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action | Gravitas

Iran’s central military command said in a statement on Sunday that it has received information that the United States, with the backing of some regional countries, is preparing to resume military actions against Iran, reported Iranian state media.The military added that any US attack will trigger sustained strikes on American bases and interests in the region, the report adds, warning that regional countries supporting US aggression against Iran will be considered parties to the conflict.&nbsp;Iran’s military headquarters has warned Middle East nations they’ll be “considered complicit” if the United States resumes major strikes on the country from American bases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces: According to intelligence received, the US has once again decided—with the green light from certain regional countries—to resume actions against Iran during a joint meeting in a European nation.&mdash; IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) <a href="https://x.com/iribnews_irib/status/2101621412142203140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We warn that if the countries of the region – by continuing their dual policy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran – align with the Great Satan’s aggression against a powerful and sovereign Iran they will all be considered complicit in this evil and can no longer expect restraint or decency from Iran’s powerful armed forces,” the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-man-shot-dead-in-west-bank-terror-attack-idf-captures-shooter-from-hospital-1789906433258">Israeli man shot dead in West Bank terror attack; IDF captures shooter from hospital</a><h2>US embassies across Middle East issue security alerts for Americans</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, US embassies across the Middle East issued security alerts for American citizens in the region early Sunday morning local time.“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the State Department said in its alerts.&nbsp;The alerts did not mention any specific threat but called for Americans to “exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”&nbsp;The alerts cited the recent fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Yemen-based Iranian-backed Houthi militants and said that the “military conflict” between the two sides “has the potential to escalate rapidly.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-pm-albanese-pushes-big-tech-to-support-tougher-online-safety-ai-rules-1789910042189">Australia PM Albanese pushes big tech to support tougher online safety, AI rules</a>&nbsp;The alerts were posted by U.S. embassies in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.&nbsp;Fighting has intensified between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in recent weeks. The Houthis have taken control of vast swaths of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, along with several islands in the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait, putting further pressure on an already stressed global oil supply.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s crucial East-West oil pipeline was also damaged by drone strikes earlier this month. The attack was reportedly carried out by Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq, though no group came forth to take credit for the attacks.

Iran’s military headquarters said any US attack will trigger sustained strikes on American bases and interests in the region and warned Middle East nations that they will be considered complicit in case major strikes resume on the country from American bases.

Iran’s central military command said in a statement on Sunday that it has received information that the United States, with the backing of some regional countries, is preparing to resume military actions against Iran, reported Iranian state media. The military added that any US attack will trigger sustained strikes on American bases and interests in the region, the report adds, warning that regional countries supporting US aggression against Iran will be considered parties to the conflict. Iran’s military headquarters has warned Middle East nations they’ll be “considered complicit” if the United States resumes major strikes on the country from American bases.

Iran’s military headquarters said any US attack will trigger sustained strikes on American bases and interests in the region and warned Middle East nations that they will be considered complicit in case major strikes resume on the country from American bases.

Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 16) condemned the targeting of Mecca, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack” by Yemen’s Houthis, who have rejected the claims of targeting the holiest Muslim site. The incident has triggered outrage across the Muslim world. The Houthis rejected the allegation, calling Riyadh’s accusations “a worn-out lie”. This comes after Saudi authorities issued alerts warning of possible attacks in Mecca and parts of the country’s south. Meanwhile, Houthis claimed that they have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet while in the airspace of Marib province.Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the kingdom had the right to “defend the security of the two holy mosques, the pilgrims, and the entire Saudi territory”. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis also warned that “the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line”.The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, representing 57 Muslim countries, condemned what it called “heinous attacks”, while Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy described the incident as “a matter of extreme gravity”.<h2>Houthis claim downing Saudi F-15</h2>Yemen’s Houthis on Wednesday (Sep 16) claimed they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib province, saying the warplane was targeted with a locally made surface-to-air missile.“The Yemeni Armed Forces, with Allah's aid and grace, succeeded in shooting down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet while it was carrying out hostile operations in support of its military mobilisations in the airspace of Marib province,” Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.In a statement posted on social media, Saree also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out more than 450 strikes in Yemen over the past week. He said the fighter jet was brought down “using a locally made surface-to-air missile”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WILD: A Saudi F-15 was shot down over Yemen&#39;s Marib province overnight. Onboard footage from the Houthi SAM system. Looks like what’s the Houthis claim, turned out true <a href="https://t.co/6Xeblyjo1i">pic.twitter.com/6Xeblyjo1i</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2100238768569557054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Yemen war spills into Red Sea</h2>The latest escalation comes as fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government intensifies. The Houthis have also declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi ships and claimed control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Saudi Arabia had carried out more than 450 strikes in Yemen this week. The group claimed retaliatory attacks on a Saudi air base and an oil facility in Yanbu, and said it had shot down a Saudi fighter jet.The renewed fighting has raised wider concerns over Red Sea shipping. Qatar warned that any closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait would be “catastrophic for the entire world”.Yemen’s civil war had largely remained dormant since 2022 before fighting intensified in July. The United Nations says the conflict has displaced more than 100,000 people.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Houthis of targeting Mecca, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack”. Houthis denied it and claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 16) condemned the targeting of Mecca, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack” by Yemen’s Houthis, who have rejected the claims of targeting the holiest Muslim site. The incident has triggered outrage across the Muslim world. The Houthis rejected the allegation, calling Riyadh’s accusations “a worn-out lie”. This comes after Saudi authorities issued alerts warning of possible attacks in Mecca and parts of the country’s south. Meanwhile, Houthis claimed that they have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet while in the airspace of Marib province. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the kingdom had the right to “defend the security of the two holy mosques, the pilgrims, and the entire Saudi territory”. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis also warned that “the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line”. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, representing 57 Muslim countries, condemned what it called “heinous attacks”, while Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy described the incident as “a matter of extreme gravity”. Houthis claim downing Saudi F-15 Yemen’s Houthis on Wednesday (Sep 16) claimed they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib province, saying the warplane was targeted with a locally made surface-to-air missile. “The Yemeni Armed Forces, with Allah's aid and grace, succeeded in shooting down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet while it was carrying out hostile operations in support of its military mobilisations in the airspace of Marib province,” Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said. In a statement posted on social media, Saree also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out more than 450 strikes in Yemen over the past week. He said the fighter jet was brought down “using a locally made surface-to-air missile”.

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Houthis of targeting Mecca, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack”. Houthis denied it and claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib.

Riyadh warns of ‘red line’ after Mecca targeted; Houthis claim downing Saudi fighter jet – What’s happening?

Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia's&nbsp;western coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. Reports stated that this was the first ever red alert in Mecca in history. Houthis denied the attack but Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described Mecca's security as a 'red line' and the the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the ‘heinous’ attack on Islam’s holy city. Mecca is home to shrines sacred to Muslims worldwide and is Islam’s holiest ​city - where annual ‌hajj pilgrimage take place.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260916/image-1789535602338.png"></figure>&nbsp;Turki al-Malki also said that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the ⁠Houthis. “This hostile attempt will also remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia, as a deliberate act intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims,” Al-Maliki said in a post on X, vowing to take the “necessary and deterrent measures” against the militants. Malki also accused Houthis of targeting Mecca with a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;The OIC, made up of 57 Muslim-majority countries slammed “ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” It said that the strikes “violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques” and “instill fear in innocent civilians.” Meanwhile, the US embassy issued an advisory to “reconsider travel” to Saudi Arabia. The advisory warned of the “risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity,” adding “Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.”&nbsp;A Houthi official rejected the claim, with spokesperson Hazem al-Assad writing on X: “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.” &nbsp;He called it a 'hoax.'<h2>How Houthis-Saudi fighting began</h2>The latest trigger that ended nearly four years of relative calm and shattered the 2022 UN-brokered truce between Saudi and Houthi was a Saudi-backed strike on the runway of Sana’a International Airport that was carried out to prevent an aircraft carrying Houthi dignitaries, to the funeral of Iran’s leader. The Houthis condemned the bombing as a violation of the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting off a rapid escalation in the conflict. In the immediate aftermath, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi vessels and launched a coastal offensive, claiming control of strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including Perim Island and the port city of Mokha. The group also launched ballistic missiles and explosive drones at targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, including the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and energy infrastructure such as the East-West Pipeline. Last week, the fighting intensified with drones at several Saudi Arabian cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, injuring 13 civilians. The Houthis have seized control of parts of ⁠Yemen’s Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, one of the ​world’s most important ​shipping straits, threatening Saudi oil ​exports.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace, calling the holy city’s security a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the OIC condemned the alleged attack as tensions between Riyadh and the group escalate.

Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia's western coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. Reports stated that this was the first ever red alert in Mecca in history. Houthis denied the attack but Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described Mecca's security as a 'red line' and the the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the ‘heinous’ attack on Islam’s holy city. Mecca is home to shrines sacred to Muslims worldwide and is Islam’s holiest city - where annual ‌hajj pilgrimage take place. Turki al-Malki also said that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the ⁠Houthis. “This hostile attempt will also remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia, as a deliberate act intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims,” Al-Maliki said in a post on X, vowing to take the “necessary and deterrent measures” against the militants. Malki also accused Houthis of targeting Mecca with a ballistic missile launch in July 2017. The OIC, made up of 57 Muslim-majority countries slammed “ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” It said that the strikes “violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques” and “instill fear in innocent civilians.” Meanwhile, the US embassy issued an advisory to “reconsider travel” to Saudi Arabia. The advisory warned of the “risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity,” adding “Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.” A Houthi official rejected the claim, with spokesperson Hazem al-Assad writing on X: “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.” He called it a 'hoax.' How Houthis-Saudi fighting began The latest trigger that ended nearly four years of relative calm and shattered the 2022 UN-brokered truce between Saudi and Houthi was a Saudi-backed strike on the runway of Sana’a International Airport that was carried out to prevent an aircraft carrying Houthi dignitaries, to the funeral of Iran’s leader. The Houthis condemned the bombing as a violation of the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting off a rapid escalation in the conflict. In the immediate aftermath, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi vessels and launched a coastal offensive, claiming control of strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including Perim Island and the port city of Mokha. The group also launched ballistic missiles and explosive drones at targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, including the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and energy infrastructure such as the East-West Pipeline. Last week, the fighting intensified with drones at several Saudi Arabian cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, injuring 13 civilians. The Houthis have seized control of parts of ⁠Yemen’s Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, one of the world’s most important shipping straits, threatening Saudi oil exports.

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace, calling the holy city’s security a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the OIC condemned the alleged attack as tensions between Riyadh and the group escalate.

Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack on Mecca, first-ever red alert in Islam's holiest site sparks panic

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Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action

Iran’s military claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; embassies issue alerts

Riyadh warns of ‘red line’ after Mecca targeted; Houthis down Saudi F-15

Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack near Mecca, sparks panic