Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted Houthi Drone Near Mecca
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone Near Mecca | Houthis Deny Targeting
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed a drone near Mecca after alleging that Yemen’s Houthi rebels had attempted to target the holy city.
Saudi authorities described Mecca as a “red line” and said air defenses stopped the drone before it entered restricted airspace. The Houthis denied launching a drone toward the city.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has also faced pressure over the security of oil-export routes following attacks on key infrastructure.
Mecca is Islam’s holiest city, making any reported threat toward it especially sensitive across the Muslim world. Regional governments and Islamic organizations have condemned the alleged attack.
The incident could add to diplomatic and security pressure in the region, though details about the drone’s launch site and intended target have not been independently verified.
