Saudi Arabia’s air defense has intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca — an incident Saudi officials have described as a threat to the security of the holy city and pilgrims, warning of responses to potential future attacks.
According to a report by The Guardian, Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said on Wednesday, September 16 (25 Sunbula), that the drone was downed before entering Mecca’s prohibited airspace, and that the security of Islam’s two holy sites and pilgrims is a “red line.”
He added that the coalition will take necessary deterrent measures against Houthi attacks.
The Houthis, however, have denied claims of targeting Mecca.
Hazem al-Assad, a Houthi spokesman, said the claim of targeting Mecca is a “repeated lie.”
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the incident and held the Houthis responsible for the attack.
The incident comes as Saudi Arabia has issued security warnings in parts of the country, including Mecca, in recent days following an increase in attacks by Iran-aligned groups.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has asked its citizens to reconsider travel to the country, warning of the risk of drone and missile attacks, armed clashes, and security threats.
