Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting and destroying a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace. The incident, reported on September 15, has added fresh regional tension to the escalating confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
According to Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki, the Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces brought down the drone at about 6:50 p.m. He described the security of Mecca, the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims as a red line. Saudi authorities have characterised the incident as an attempted Houthi attack on the holy city.
The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Mecca or any Islamic holy site. Their military spokesman Yahya Saree said their intended targets were Saudi oil facilities and military bases located far from Mecca. The competing claims have not been independently resolved.
The episode comes amid a broader escalation involving Houthi attacks and Saudi military operations in Yemen. The Houthis have also claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet, although that claim has not been independently verified.
India has expressed deep concern over the reported drone incident. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said attacks on Saudi sovereign territory that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure were strongly condemned. India also highlighted Mecca’s special significance for Muslims worldwide and expressed hope for an early restoration of peace and stability in West Asia.
The incident has intensified concerns over regional security, civilian safety and the protection of religiously significant sites as fighting continues.
