Houthis target Makkah again, Saudi forces intercept drone
The reported Houthi attack on Makkah was stopped after Saudi forces destroyed the drone in the air. Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed that the Saudi Arabia drone interception took place before the aircraft could reach its target.
The incident came after two ballistic missiles were reportedly fired towards Riyadh the previous night. The Riyadh missile attack was also stopped, but falling debris injured one civilian and damaged a house and a vehicle.
The latest Makkah drone attack has raised fresh concerns about security in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis in Yemen.
Saudi Forces Intercept Drone and Missiles
According to the Saudi military spokesperson, the drone aimed at Makkah was destroyed before reaching its destination. The Saudi Arabia drone interception prevented the aircraft from reaching the area.
The spokesperson also confirmed that two ballistic missiles had been launched towards Riyadh during the previous night. Both were intercepted in the air.
However, the Riyadh missile attack still caused damage on the ground. Falling debris injured one person and damaged a residential property and a vehicle.
Saudi authorities have not provided further details about the extent of the damage. The latest Houthi attack on Makkah has also drawn attention to the security risks posed by drone and missile launches.
Yemen Accuses Houthis of Using Chemical Weapons
Meanwhile, officials in Yemen have accused the Houthi group of using chemical weapons during attacks on government forces and civilian areas.
The group has also reportedly tightened its siege of Taiz, blocking important supply routes and making it harder for essential goods to reach the area.
The Taiz Governorate Media Office said the Houthis used weapons in Al-Aqroud and Kahlan that may have contained banned gases and other toxic substances.
These allegations have raised concerns about civilian safety and the possible use of prohibited weapons in the conflict.
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Yemeni Officials Call for International Investigation
Yemen’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman said the Houthi group was using different types of illegal weapons.
Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani called on the United Nations and international organisations to support an independent investigation into the allegations.
He also urged international bodies to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.
The calls for an investigation come as the Makkah drone attack and the Riyadh missile attack add to regional security concerns.
The reported Houthi attack on Makkah has also renewed attention on the role of international organisations in addressing the conflict.
