Fighting intensifies in Yemen as Houthis deny targeting Mecca

The Houthis denied Saudi Arabia’s claim that they launched a drone towards Mecca, saying their attacks targeted sites in Yanbu and Riyadh. The disputed strikes come as fighting between the Houthis and forces backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government intensifies, with attacks reported in several parts of the country and in Aden.

Yemen’s army spokesperson reported 773 artillery attacks, 44 drone strikes and 37 rocket attacks by government-aligned forces, while the Saudi-led coalition said it carried out 23 air strikes. The World Health Organization said casualties had reached 11,755 by 8 November, including 2,098 people killed, and that more than 320,000 people had been displaced since 1 August. It also warned that attacks on health facilities and fuel shortages are disrupting medical care.