Saudi Air Defences Intercept Houthi Drone Near Makkah
RIYADH:Saudi Arabia’s air defence forces have intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could enter the holy city’s prohibited airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted at around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. He described the incident as the second reported attempt by the Houthis to target Makkah, following a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.
The coalition said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a “red line” and warned that necessary deterrent measures would be taken against further Houthi attacks.
According to the coalition, the alleged attempt posed a threat to worshippers, pilgrims, residents and civilians in the area. Saudi authorities have also heightened security alerts in Makkah and other parts of the country amid the recent escalation.
However, Houthi officials have denied targeting Makkah and rejected the Saudi allegation.
The incident comes amid a broader escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with the conflict also affecting the security of shipping routes and energy infrastructure in the region.
