WorldPosted at: Sep 16 2026 3:35PM


Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone near Mecca, warns holy sites are a ‘red line’

Riyadh, Sep 16 (UNI) Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it could enter the holy city's restricted airspace, the Saudi-led coalition said, accusing Yemen's Houthi movement of launching the aircraft toward Islam's holiest city.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the security of the two holy mosques and pilgrims is a “red line” and warned that Saudi forces would take necessary measures to deter further attacks.
Drone attack targeting the outskirts of Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, draws condemnation from regional and Islamic organisations and raises concerns over the widening conflict in the region.
Turki al-Maliki said the drone was shot down near Mecca and described the incident as a deliberate attempt to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.
“This hostile attempt will also remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia,” al-Maliki said, vowing that Saudi Arabia would take “necessary and deterrent measures”.
The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca. Their military spokesman Yahya Saree said their attacks were directed at Saudi oil facilities and military bases “far removed from the holy places”.
The incident is the first reported Houthi attempt to target Mecca in nearly a decade. A ballistic missile launched towards the holy city in 2017 was intercepted by Saudi forces.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a 57-member body representing Muslim-majority countries, condemned the reported attack, saying such strikes “violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques” and spread fear among civilians.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, describing it as a “dastardly and heinous” act and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia.
The reported drone interception comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones towards several Saudi cities earlier this week, including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, injuring 13 civilians, according to Saudi authorities.
The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi military base on Sunday.
Saudi forces have responded with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, according to the rebel group.
The Houthis have also intensified their offensive against Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in recent weeks, expanding their territorial control and increasing pressure on shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The escalation comes as the wider US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt regional security and energy routes, with the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea emerging as key flashpoints for oil shipments.
Oil prices have risen above USD 100 a barrel amid the escalating regional tensions, adding to concerns over the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies.
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Tags: #Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone near Mecca# warns holy sites are a ‘red line’
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