Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted a drone near the holy city of Mecca on Tuesday evening, with the Saudi-led military coalition accusing Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement of launching the aircraft.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the drone was brought down before it could enter Mecca’s restricted airspace, describing the security of the Islamic holy city as a “red line”.
Al-Malki said the incident marked the second reported Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in 2017. He added that the coalition would take measures to deter further attacks.
Mecca is Islam’s holiest city and the focal point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.
The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca or any other Islamic holy site. A Houthi military source said the group posed no threat to the city, while Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Farah dismissed Saudi Arabia’s allegation as false, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency.
The incident comes amid renewed tensions between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia, with the Houthis claiming several attacks on Saudi territory over the past week. Saudi authorities have also issued security alerts for Mecca and other parts of the kingdom.
The escalation has raised wider concerns over regional security and energy supplies. The Houthis control parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major international shipping route, while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to increasing rerouting of Saudi oil shipments.
Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition against the Houthis since 2015. Although fighting had eased in recent years following a period of reduced hostilities, tensions have intensified again as Houthi forces confront groups aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The renewed confrontation comes as Saudi Arabia seeks greater security support from the United States. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with President Donald Trump last week about military assistance, which has so far been limited to intelligence support, according to the report.
Goodness Anunobi
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