India, Sept. 16 -- Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam's holiest city, declaring Mecca a "red line" as the kingdom faced a new escalation in the widening Iran conflict.

Saudi authorities said they intercepted and destroyed a drone before it entered the airspace over Mecca, about 1,100 kilometres from Yemen's border. The Houthis denied launching drones toward the city.

The alleged attack drew condemnation from countries and organisations across the region, but there was no immediate indication that Saudi Arabia had sought military assistance from its allies.

The development comes as Saudi Arabia, a key US ally and the world's largest oil exporter, faces attacks on its infrastructure and s...