UN rights chief demands independent probe into death of UN staffer in Houthi custody

▲ Escalating

Syria weighs joining Saudi defence pact as Yemen war escalates

On Saturday, a report said Syria is considering joining Saudi Arabia's mutual defence agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, a move that could draw more countries into the conflict. The UN human rights chief also demanded an independent probe into the death of a Yemeni UN staffer held by the Houthis for over two years. On Friday, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a Houthi drone aimed at Mecca, which the Houthis deny, and the Houthis claimed six attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.

• UNHCR says more than 280,000 people are displaced in Yemen and that fighting blocks access to aid.
• Taiz governor Nabil Shamsan says supplies of oxygen, food and water are running low under a month-long Houthi siege.
• Houthi missiles are striking Aden, and residents are stockpiling food and drawing up escape plans.
• Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi drone targeting Mecca; the Houthis deny targeting the Mecca region.