Sanaa, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, has categorically denied allegations that his group attempted to attack the holy city of Mecca. Speaking on Al-Masirah TV, he described the claims as “fabricated and false,” asserting that they are being used to garner support for alleged military actions against Yemen amidst escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia.
Al-Houthi’s remarks came shortly after Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of sending drones toward Mecca. He argued that the accusation serves as a pretext for increasing military pressure on Yemen. He pointed out that prior to the recent surge in tensions, Saudi Arabia had not taken any substantial steps towards a political resolution, despite a temporary lull in hostilities.
The leader further criticized the ongoing restrictions on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, highlighting the continued bans on airport operations and the import of goods. He called for large-scale protests across Yemen on Friday, urging supporters to rally against what he termed Saudi Arabia’s “fabricated accusations and defamation.”
These statements follow reports from the Saudi-led coalition, which claimed that its air defenses intercepted a drone on Tuesday evening before it could enter Mecca’s restricted airspace. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki emphasized that the safety of Islam’s two holiest sites and the pilgrims visiting them is a “red line,” promising necessary measures in response to such threats.
Al-Maliki also noted that this incident marks the second alleged attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, referencing a failed ballistic missile attack in July 2017. The exchange of accusations between the two sides occurs amid an intensifying conflict, with Houthi forces making significant gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait since early September. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has ramped up missile and drone attacks against military and oil facilities.
The conflict in Yemen began in late 2014 when Houthi fighters seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and large portions of northern Yemen. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, leading to a protracted and devastating war.
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