Mecca Targeted: Saudi Defences Intercept Houthi Drone
Mecca has become the target of a drone attack by the Houthi group. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew into Saudi Arabian territory on Tuesday (15/9) evening and was successfully intercepted by Saudi air defence systems before entering prohibited airspace.
According to Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (16/9/2026), the drone attack occurred at 18:50 local time. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that the drone was intercepted and destroyed, with debris falling south of Mecca.
Al-Malki described the incident as the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca. Previously, the group 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.” Al-Malki also pledged that the coalition would take measures to prevent further attacks.
Thirteen Civilians Injured
The drone attack near Mecca occurred a day after the coalition announced that 13 civilians were injured due to Houthi missile and drone attacks in Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif. The attacks also caused damage to seven houses and two vehicles.
Confrontations between the internationally recognised Yemeni government forces and the Houthi group have escalated since early July, following a period of relative calm that had lasted for several years.
Yemen has been embroiled in war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in 2014. The Saudi-led Arab coalition subsequently intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.
Mecca Had Previously Received Emergency Warning
Saudi Arabia had previously issued an emergency warning regarding potential attacks in several regions, including the holy city of Mecca and the second-largest city, Jeddah.
The warning followed a series of attacks over the past week by armed groups affiliated with Iran, further drawing the country into the Middle East conflict.
As reported by Reuters on Tuesday (15/9), the warning was rescinded shortly after being issued.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. The sound of warning sirens in Mecca was also a first for the city during this war, which houses sacred sites for all Muslims.