Saudi Arabia increasingly threatened by Houthis' advance – analysis

On September 15, Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone targeting Mecca, marking a significant escalation by the Iranian-backed rebels. This incident followed the Houthis' recent capture of islands guarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait and an attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, demonstrating their intent to strike within the Kingdom despite Saudi air superiority. Major-General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, stated that the threat near Mecca "was a red line." The attack, viewed as symbolic, is likely to upset millions of Muslims globally, as Mecca is Islam's holiest site. This comes amid reports of US CENTCOM-mediated talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia to provide intelligence assistance against Houthi military actions. The ongoing Houthi advances and attacks, including recent strikes that injured 13 civilians, are pressuring Saudi Arabia to consider a new offensive in Yemen, with potential implications for global oil supplies.