Houthi Threat Reaches Mecca, Pakistan Hides Behind 'Ops' To Avoid Saudi Fight

For the first time in history, the Islamic holy city of Mecca was put on emergency alert, warning of a possible aerial attack as fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebel group intensified. Though the alert was lifted within minutes, it has sparked outrage across the Muslim world and deepened the conflict roiling the region.

It has also laid bare the fractures within the much-talked-about Mecca pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey as Riyadh turned to Tel Aviv for help after Islamabad backed out of the fight in self-interest.