Saudi Arabia Claims Interception of Houthi Drone Targeting Makkah

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that it intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) launched by the Houthi militia towards the Holy City of Makkah. This latest escalation is viewed as a potential threat to the safety of the holy city of Islam.

Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition, stated that the Royal Saudi Air Force successfully intercepted the enemy drone before it entered prohibited airspace on Tuesday (15/09/2026) night. Al-Maliki condemned the incident as an attempt to intimidate pilgrims and endanger civilians.

He emphasised that the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a “red line” that must not be crossed. The Houthi group had previously denied targeting Makkah, stating they never attack holy sites, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Security Alert

Saudi Arabian authorities issued a security alert in Makkah on Tuesday, the first such warning since a similar attempted attack by the Houthis in 2017. The danger warning was quickly rescinded a few minutes later. Similar warning systems were also activated in Taif and Jeddah.

In a statement to the Yemeni news agency, SABA, Houthi military sources strongly denied allegations that their forces were threatening the City of Makkah or other Islamic holy sites.

“We firmly deny any threats from Yemen directed towards the City of Makkah or other holy sites,” the source stated, while condemning Riyadh’s claims as a form of disinformation.

The latest attack marks an escalation in the conflict that has been ongoing since 2015, when Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen after the Houthis seized Sanaa and overthrew the official government.