Saudi Arabia stated on Wednesday that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone before it entered Mecca's airspace. However, the Houthis denied this claim, calling it an "old lie." This incident marks the first time the conflict in Yemen has reached Mecca, an Islamic holy site, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Oil prices had previously risen with the conflict's escalation. Although oil prices retreated on Wednesday, Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures remained near four-month highs, trading at $107.8/barrel and $104.6/barrel, respectively.