Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Headed for Mecca
Summary
Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels toward Mecca, briefly triggering a security alert in the holy city. The Saudi-led coalition said the attack threatened worshippers and civilians, while the Houthis denied targeting Islamic holy sites.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone before it entered Mecca’s restricted airspace.
- A short-lived security alert was issued in Mecca, with similar alerts also activated in Taif and Jeddah.
- Turki Al-Malki said attacks on the holy mosques and pilgrims are a red line and would be strongly retaliated.
- The Houthis denied targeting Mecca and said Saudi claims were misleading, as tensions linked to the Yemen war rise again.
