Saudi Arabia’s King Salman slams targeting of Mecca by ‘terrorist’ Houthis

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Published: 2026-09-22T21:20:37.475Z • Permanent link

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has condemned the targeting of Mecca by the Houthi rebel group, describing it as a "heinous act of terrorism" that will not go unpunished. The King's comments came in a statement released by the Saudi government, which cited the "sabotage" of a fuel tank at the Abha International Airport as evidence of the Houthis' intentions. The attack, which occurred on September 13, was allegedly carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been waging a fierce insurgency against the Yemeni government since 2015. Saudi Arabia and its allies have long accused Iran of supporting the Houthis, and the incident has raised tensions between the two regional powers.

The incident has sparked outrage among Saudi citizens, with many taking to social media to express their anger and outrage. The Saudi government has vowed to take action against the Houthis, with King Salman promising to "deal severely" with those responsible. The incident has also raised concerns about the stability of the region, with many experts warning that it could lead to further escalation. The Houthis, who are known for their use of drones and missiles, have been a thorn in the side of the Saudi government for years, and their attacks have become increasingly frequent.

The attack on the fuel tank at Abha International Airport was not the first of its kind, however. In 2019, the Houthis launched a similar attack on the airport, which was also carried out using a drone. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of Saudi air defenses, and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country's military response. The Saudi government has since taken steps to improve its air defenses, including the deployment of advanced missile defense systems.

The targeting of Mecca by the Houthis has significant implications for the data sources that track global events and markets. Companies such as Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg, which provide real-time data on global events, will need to reassess their coverage of the region in light of the incident. Researchers and analysts will also need to take into account the potential for further escalation, and how it may impact markets and economies. The incident has also raised concerns about the role of social media in spreading misinformation, and the need for greater scrutiny of online activity.

The incident has also had a significant impact on the global financial markets, with many investors taking a cautious approach to trading in the region. The Saudi riyal, which is pegged to the US dollar, has seen significant volatility in recent weeks, and many analysts expect it to continue to fluctuate in the coming days. The incident has also raised concerns about the stability of the global economy, and the potential for further disruption. Companies such as Saudi Aramco, which is the largest oil producer in the world, will need to monitor the situation closely, and take steps to mitigate any potential impact.

The targeting of Mecca by the Houthis is part of a larger pattern of escalation in the region. The conflict in Yemen, which has been raging since 2015, has been marked by numerous incidents of violence and sabotage. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have been waging a fierce insurgency against the Yemeni government and its allies, including Saudi Arabia. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, and has had a profound impact on the region's economy and infrastructure.