Houthi drone threat to Mecca

Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading toward Mecca on Tuesday evening, briefly triggering a security alert in the holy city, its first since a 2017 Houthi attempt to target the area, and also in Taif and Jeddah. The Saudi-led coalition's spokesperson called the launch an attempt to frighten worshippers and said the security of the two holy mosques and pilgrims is a "red line". The Houthis categorically denied any threat to Mecca or other holy sites, calling the accusation misinformation and a "worn-out lie".

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As it ran

16 September 2026

• Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed for Mecca Al Jazeera
• ‘Red line’: Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca with drone South China Morning Post
• Houthis Say They Downed a Saudi Fighter Jet and Deny Targeting Mecca New York Times
• Houthis Claim They Downed Saudi Fighter Jet After Being Accused of Targeting Mecca New York Times