Saudi Arabia says Houthi drone intercepted near Makkah
According to Saudi authorities, the drone was intercepted at around 6:50pm local time on Tuesday. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said the drone was stopped before reaching Makkah’s airspace.
The incident has drawn attention because of the location involved and the importance of Makkah as Islam’s holiest city. Saudi officials described the incident as a serious security development amid increased Houthi attacks in the region.
Saudi coalition issues warning
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of pilgrims were a ‘red line’.
He said the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the Houthis. Al-Malki also described the incident as the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Makkah.
The coalition linked the previous alleged attempt to a ballistic missile launch towards the holy city in July 2017. The latest incident comes at a time of increased military activity involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Houthis deny targeting Makkah
The Houthis have rejected Saudi Arabia’s claim that the drone was targeting Makkah.
Houthi spokesperson Hazem al-Assad described the allegation as false and said the group had not targeted the holy city. The Houthis have also denied posing a threat to Makkah or other Islamic holy sites.
The conflicting statements mean that the alleged target and intention of the drone remain disputed. While Saudi Arabia has linked the drone to the Houthis, the group has rejected the allegation.
Security alerts issued across Saudi Arabia
The drone interception came after Saudi Arabia issued security alerts in several parts of the country. The alerts included Makkah, Jeddah and other areas following a series of attacks in recent days.
Saudi Civil Defence later said the immediate danger had passed in several cities, including Jeddah and Taif. The alerts came as Houthi forces increased attacks on Saudi targets. The developments have raised fresh concerns about security in populated areas and around important infrastructure.
OIC responds to incident
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the reported incident. The 57-member organisation described the reported attack near Makkah as a serious violation and blamed the Houthis.
The OIC also criticised what it described as continued attacks against Saudi Arabia. The organisation’s response came despite the Houthi denial. The competing statements have added to the wider regional tensions surrounding the incident.
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi targets
The reported drone interception came amid a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for several recent attacks against Saudi targets. One of the reported attacks involved Khamis Mushait airbase in southern Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: Houthi attacks hit Saudi energy sites, leaving 73 injured
The group said the attack was carried out in response to Saudi-led strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The latest developments mark a new escalation in the long-running conflict involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Red Sea route raises wider concerns
The Houthis control parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping. Recent fighting in and around the area has raised concerns about commercial shipping and energy supplies.
Reuters reported that Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast have increased concerns about the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The situation is being closely watched because disruption in the area could affect regional trade and important energy routes.
Makkah security remains a major concern
Makkah is home to the Grand Mosque and receives millions of Muslim visitors during Hajj and Umrah.
Any reported security incident near the city therefore attracts major attention across the Muslim world. Saudi authorities have stressed the importance of protecting the city and ensuring the safety of pilgrims.
The latest drone incident has again placed Makkah’s security at the centre of regional attention. At the same time, the Houthi denial means that the intended target of the drone has not been independently established.
Regional tensions continue to rise
The latest incident is part of a wider increase in military activity across the region.
Houthi forces have stepped up attacks on Saudi targets while fighting has also intensified in Yemen. The renewed violence has displaced civilians inside Yemen and increased pressure on humanitarian operations.
The situation has also raised concerns around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the region’s key maritime routes. Saudi Arabia and other regional countries are closely monitoring developments as the security situation remains tense.
