Houthis deny threat to Mecca from Yemen

A Houthi military source has “categorically denied any threat from Yemen targeting Mecca or other holy sites,” according to a statement carried by the movement’s Saba news agency.

The source strongly condemned what it described as “fabrication, deception and misinformation” by the Saudi “enemy” in claiming that Yemen posed a threat to Mecca.

The source said the promotion of what it called “false reports” was aimed at “smearing” the Houthis and creating sympathy across the Muslim world, describing it as an old tactic previously used by Saudi Arabia.

The statement came after Saudi Civil Defence earlier on Wednesday issued alerts warning of a threat in Khamis Mushait, Abha, Taif, Mecca and Jeddah.

Later, Civil Defence announced that the threat had passed in all the areas mentioned, urging residents to continue following its instructions, avoid gatherings and filming, and contact emergency services on 911 when necessary.