Red Lines and Sacred Sites: The Saudi Houthi Conflict Escalates The announcement by Colonel Turki Al Malki that a Houthi drone was shot down en route to Mecca has sent shockwaves through the Middle East.
If proven true, this would mark a significant escalation of the conflict between the two sides. At stake is not just the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims but also the fabric of regional politics.
The Saudi led coalition has long accused the Houthis of targeting their territory.