# The Saudi-led military coalition says it will take necessary deterrent measures against the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis. This comes after it shot down a Houthi drone yesterday on the outskirts of Islam’s holiest city, Mecca. This was the first time the rebel group targeted Mecca, since a ballistic missile attack was intercepted in 2017. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki says the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and of pilgrims was a “red line”, adding that this deliberate act was intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.
Saudi Arabia vows to retaliate against Houthis after shooting down a drone near Mecca