Saudi Intercepts Houthi Missiles, Drones, Group Denies Targeting Mecca

Saudi air defences intercepted Houthi missiles and drones launched towards Riyadh, Mecca and other regions on Wednesday, as hostilities between the Iran-aligned group and the kingdom worsen.The Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Yemeni group said it had intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles headed to the Riyadh region, two drones aimed at Mecca and southern areas and two missiles pointed towards the west.Mecca, home to sites sacred to Muslims worldwide, is Islam's holiest city and the focal point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, which millions of Muslims undertake each year.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree later denied targeting Mecca with a drone, saying the group's operations target oil facilities and military bases.Saree also said the Houthis had attacked a pumping station in Saudi Arabia's Yanbu, a key Saudi oil hub that allows exports to avoid the blocked Strait of Hormuz.