Saudi Arabia’s King Salman slams targeting of Mecca by ‘terrorist’ Houthis | Houthis News
Saudi King Designates Houthi Movement as “Terrorist Militia” Amid Heightened Attacks
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has denounced Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “terrorist militia,” accusing the Iran-affiliated group of launching repeated attacks targeting the holy city of Mecca. The king’s remarks came during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
This unusual public statement from the 90-year-old monarch signals a possible sense of urgency within the kingdom, particularly as recent Houthi assaults pose significant threats to Saudi Arabia’s security. King Salman characterized the alleged targeting of Mecca as a “heinous crime” and a provocation against Muslim sentiments globally.
Last week, Saudi authorities announced the interception of a drone launched by the Houthis aimed at Mecca, a claim the Houthi leadership has firmly rejected, describing it as “a heinous lie” according to Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi. This incident marked the first security alert in nearly a decade for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba.
In addition to addressing security matters, King Salman praised the military and security forces for their role in “defending the homeland” and safeguarding holy sites, citizens, and residents against aggression.
Threats to Saudi Cities and Energy Infrastructure
The king highlighted ongoing discussions involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and foreign leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron. These conversations focused on enhancing regional stability and ensuring secured maritime navigation.
The Houthi movement has intensified missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and maritime routes, exacerbating regional tensions linked to broader conflicts involving the United States and Israel against Iran. On Saturday, Saudi-led coalition forces confirmed they intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh, resulting in a plume of smoke rising from a fuel storage area at King Khalid International Airport.
This escalation has also heightened concerns regarding global energy supplies, as Houthi fighters have extended their control over Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, which serves as an alternative route for Saudi oil exports amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to growing regional instability, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan established the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month. This pact stipulates that an armed attack on any member state is considered an attack on all three nations.
