Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting and destroying a drone launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels near Mecca, according to military officials. The drone was identified as targeting the holy city, a major site for Muslim pilgrims. The Houthi group has denied any involvement in the attack, stating they have no operations targeting Mecca.
Separately, reports from Taiz, a city under siege in Yemen, suggest Houthi forces may have used chemical weapons during recent artillery and rocket attacks. Civilians have reportedly struggled to breathe and lost consciousness, raising fears of a deadly new phase in the conflict. Independent international investigations have been called for to verify these claims.
The situation in Taiz has worsened over years of fighting, with hundreds of thousands of residents exposed to shelling, sniper fire, and displacement. The alleged use of chemical weapons would mark a significant escalation in the war, potentially violating international humanitarian law.
The Houthi offensive in Taiz has intensified, with the city remaining a focal point of the ongoing conflict. The group has been accused of blocking access to essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, further endangering civilian lives.
The conflict in Yemen has drawn in regional powers, with Saudi Arabia and its allies supporting the government, while the Houthi rebels receive backing from Iran. The recent incidents highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the risks of further escalation.
