Houthis Target Mecca: Drone Intercepted Near Holy City

Saudi air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it could enter the restricted airspace over Islam's holiest city, the kingdom announced. Saudi Arabia says the unmanned aircraft was launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran.

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki said the drone was shot down on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:50 p.m., south of Mecca. According to al-Maliki, air defenses successfully destroyed the aircraft before it crossed into the prohibited airspace above the city.

Al-Maliki characterized the incident as the Houthis' second attempt to strike Mecca. The first attempt, he said, occurred in July 2017, when a ballistic missile was fired toward the area. This time, he said, a drone approached the holy city, home to two of Islam's most sacred sites and the destination for millions of pilgrims during the annual hajj.

Houthi drone intercepted near Mecca (Photo: Arab networks)

Saudi officials responded to the incident with sharp warnings. The coalition spokesman declared that the security of the two holy sites and the pilgrims is a "red line," and that Saudi Arabia and the coalition would take deterrent measures against the Houthis.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations, condemned the incident and expressed support for Saudi Arabia and the protection of the holy sites.

A spokesman for the Houthis denied that Mecca was the drone's target and claimed the Saudi accusations are false.

The incident comes during a period of sharp escalation in the region, as the Houthis have intensified their operations against targets in Saudi Arabia in recent months, against the backdrop of expanding fighting in Yemen and regional tensions. The drone's attempt to approach Mecca adds a particularly sensitive dimension to the conflict, given the city's central place in the Muslim world.