Houthis Deny Saudi Claims Regarding Drone Attack on Mecca: 'Old Lie'
Hazem al-Assad, an official from the Houthim political bureau, has refuted statements from the Saudi Arabian-led coalition claiming they intercepted a drone targeting Mecca. He described the allegations as an ‘old lie’ that has been used previously.
“The claim regarding the targeting of Mecca is an old lie that has been used before,” wrote Hazem al-Assad of the Houthi political bureau on his X account, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (16/9/2026). He added that the Saudi claims could no longer deceive anyone.
Previously, the Houthi group was reported to have launched a drone towards Saudi Arabian territory, specifically near Mecca. The drone was reportedly intercepted and destroyed by Saudi Arabian air defence systems.
According to Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (16/9/2026), the drone attack occurred on Tuesday (15/9) at 18:50 local time. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that the drone was intercepted before entering prohibited airspace and that debris fell south of the city.
Al-Malki described this incident as the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, noting that the group previously launched a ballistic missile towards the city on 27 July 2017. He emphasised that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a “red line,” promising that the coalition would take measures to prevent further attacks.
Saudi Arabia had previously issued an emergency warning predicting potential attacks in several regions, including the holy city of Mecca and the second-largest city, Jeddah. This warning followed a series of attacks over the past week by armed groups affiliated with Iran, further involving the nation in Middle Eastern conflicts.
As reported by Reuters on Tuesday (15/9), the warning was rescinded shortly after being issued. Saudi authorities did not report any falling projectiles, nor did any party immediately claim responsibility for the attacks. This latest warning covered the widest area since last week’s conflict escalation; sirens were heard in Mecca for the first time during this war, a city that houses sacred sites for all Muslims.