First-Ever Missile Alert Reported In Mecca As Houthis Deny Attack; US Issues Saudi Travel Advisory

Saudi Arabia’s air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter restricted airspace over the holy city, the Saudi-led coalition said on Wednesday. The Houthi rebel group denied targeting Mecca.

Houthi politburo member Hazem Al-Assad rejected the Saudi claim, saying the group had not targeted the holy city.

“The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone,” Al-Assad said in a post on X.

US Tells Citizens To Reconsider Travel To Saudi Arabia

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a security advisory urging American citizens to “reconsider travel” to the kingdom.

The advisory cited several security risks, including the possibility of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting US interests in Saudi Arabia.

It also warned of armed conflict, terrorism, potential exit bans and risks associated with Saudi laws governing social media activity.

The embassy separately advised Americans: “Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.”