Saudi intercept Houthi drone over Makkah prohibited airspace
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- Saudi forces destroyed a Houthi drone targeting Makkah's prohibited airspace on Tuesday, September 15.
- Officials noted this was the second hostile attempt against Makkah, following a 2017 missile strike.
- The Joint Forces Command called Holy Mosque security a "red line" and vowed deterrent action.
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthi group before it could enter the prohibited airspace over the Holy City of Makkah on Tuesday evening.
In a press statement released Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Major General Turki Al-Malki, the official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, confirmed that air defense systems intercepted the aircraft south of Makkah at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
Major General Al-Malki emphasized that the operation marked the second hostile attempt targeting Makkah, recalling a previous attempt on July 27, 2017, when Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile toward the holy city.
"This hostile and terrorist attempt is considered the second attempt to target Makkah Al-Mukarramah," Al-Malki stated. "Such an act can only be described as a disgraceful attempt targeting the site of revelation, the qibla of Muslims, and the place cherished by millions of Muslims worldwide, aimed at terrifying peaceful worshipers, pilgrims, citizens, and residents."
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Coalition declares security of Holy Sites a red line
Major General Al-Malki condemned the attack as a deliberate provocation aimed at inciting the sentiments of millions of Muslims worldwide and noted it will remain a black mark in the Houthi militia's record of violations.
The Coalition spokesperson reiterated the Joint Forces Command's firm stance regarding the protection of holy sites and civilians within the kingdom.
"The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the guests of the Most Merciful is a red line," Al-Malki warned, adding that the Joint Forces Command "will not hesitate to take all necessary and deterrent measures against the Houthi militia's terrorist aggression and hostile behavior."
