π‘οΈ Houthi threat looms over Saudi's Mecca, MBS faces pressure
Saudi Arabian air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on Tuesday, which the Saudi military declared a 'red line.' This incident occurred as Houthi fighters gained control of key Yemeni coastal areas near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Houthis' actions threaten Saudi Arabia's stability and MBS's economic vision, recalling the 2015 Yemen intervention. MBS is now tested on protecting Mecca, maintaining oil revenue, and avoiding major military escalation. Future moves will determine if allies step in or if another diplomatic deal is reached.