The Saudi-led coalition has warned of potential military action against the Houthi rebels following attacks on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The coalition accused the Houthis of targeting religious sites, which it said threatens regional stability. The warning comes amid ongoing tensions in Yemen, where the conflict has escalated in recent weeks.
The Houthi group, which controls parts of northern Yemen, launched the attacks in response to a Saudi-led offensive aimed at reclaiming territory. The coalition has accused the Houthis of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, a claim the rebels have denied. The strikes on Makkah and Madinah, which are central to Islamic worship, have drawn international condemnation.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels. The war has caused widespread humanitarian crises, with millions of people facing food shortages and medical shortages. Recent fighting has intensified in the Taiz governorate, where government forces and Houthi rebels have clashed.
The Saudi-led coalition has vowed to restore the Yemeni state and end the Houthi influence, while Iran has expressed readiness to defend itself if the United States takes military action. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
