Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Houthi Drone South of Makkah, Coalition Says
RIYADH, September 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it entered the city’s prohibited airspace, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said.
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was launched by the Houthi militia and was intercepted at 6:50 p.m. on September 15.
Al-Malki described the incident as the second attempt to target Makkah, following the launch of a ballistic missile on July 27, 2017.
He said the latest attempt threatened the holy city, its residents and visitors to the Grand Mosque, and was intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world.
No injuries or material damage were reported in the SPA statement.
Al-Malki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a red line.
He added that the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition would take the necessary measures to deter the Houthi militia and respond to what he described as its hostile actions.
Source: SPA
