RIYADH: Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it entered the holy city’s prohibited airspace, according to the spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen.
Reuters reported that coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted as it approached the restricted airspace over Makkah.
Saudi Arabia confirms it intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace. 🇸🇦
The Kingdom has made it clear: The security of the holy sites and pilgrims is a “red line.”
May Allah protect the Two Holy Sanctuaries. 🕋🤲#Makkah… pic.twitter.com/p4Vqp9lEwD
— Dr. Bu Abdullah (@Dr_BuAbdullah) September 16, 2026
Details of the Incident
In a statement issued early Wednesday, Al-Malki said the incident was an attempt to target Makkah and described it as the second such attempt involving the holy city.
According to the coalition spokesperson, the latest incident followed a ballistic missile launch toward Makkah on July 27, 2017, which was also intercepted.
The drone was intercepted at around 6:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday, south of Makkah, before it could enter the city’s prohibited airspace, according to Saudi authorities.
Security of the Two Holy Mosques Is a Red Line
Al-Malki strongly condemned the incident, saying that any attempt to threaten Makkah could endanger residents, civilians and pilgrims while also provoking the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world.
He stressed that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims visiting them is a “red line.” He also said that the coalition would take necessary and deterrent measures to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people.
Saudi Arabia had issued security alerts on Tuesday covering several cities, including Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, amid heightened regional tensions and a series of recent attacks.
The Houthis, however, denied targeting Makkah or any other Islamic holy site, rejecting the Saudi-led coalition’s accusation.
The incident comes amid an escalation in attacks involving missiles
