Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Makkah, Houthis Deny Targeting Holy City
Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed a drone launched from Yemen near Makkah, according to Saudi authorities. The drone was reportedly flying toward the holy city but was destroyed before entering Makkah’s restricted airspace.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted south of Makkah on Tuesday evening. He said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims remains a major priority for Saudi Arabia.
Following the incident, brief security alerts were issued in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif. Saudi Civil Defence later lifted the alerts after authorities said the immediate danger had passed.
The Houthis, however, denied Saudi Arabia’s claim that the drone was targeting Makkah. Houthi official Hazem Al-Assad called the Saudi allegation false, while Houthi political bureau member Mohammed Al-Farah also denied that the group had targeted the holy city.
The conflicting claims could not be independently verified. Saudi authorities maintained that the drone was intercepted and destroyed south of Makkah before it entered the city’s prohibited airspace.
The incident comes amid an increase in missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said attacks a day earlier injured 13 people in the southern part of the Kingdom.
The Saudi Cabinet also condemned attacks against civilians and civilian facilities, saying the Kingdom has the right to defend itself and protect its sovereignty under international law.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it described as attacks against Makkah, Madinah and other parts of Saudi Arabia. The organisation expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for the protection of holy sites and civilians.
Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque Sheikh Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais urged people to maintain unity and remain cautious about rumours. He also called on the public to rely on authentic and verified sources for information.
