Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca, according to officials, marking another incident in the ongoing conflict between the Yemeni rebels and Saudi Arabia. The drone was shot down south of the holy city, outside the prohibited airspace, raising concerns over security in the region.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been accused of launching attacks on Saudi territory, including a recent drone strike near Mecca. Saudi officials have condemned these actions as violations of their sovereignty, while the Houthi rebels claim they are defending Yemen against foreign aggression.

In response to the drone attack, Saudi Arabia has reported running low on missile interceptors and has sought assistance from allies including France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. This reflects the growing intensity of the conflict and the increasing need for external military support.

The situation continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The Houthi rebels have also been linked to rising costs for fuel in Britain, as their conflict affects global oil markets.