Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi drone targeting Mecca airspace

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition announced that Royal Saudi Air Defense forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthi militia before it entered the prohibited airspace over the holy city of Mecca.

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki stated that the interception occurred at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the hostile drone intercepted south of Mecca.

Second attempt since 2017

Brig. Gen. Al-Maliki noted that this was the second hostile and terrorist attempt to target Mecca, following a previous attempt involving a ballistic missile on July 27, 2017.

He described the act as disgraceful, targeting the birthplace of the Islamic revelation and a destination for millions of Muslims worldwide, and as an attempt to intimidate pilgrims and harm citizens and residents. He added that this attempt would remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist Houthi militia, as it was a deliberate act to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.

"We will not hesitate to take deterrent measures"

Brig. Gen. Al-Maliki stressed that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors is a red line, affirming that the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will not hesitate to take necessary and deterrent measures against the Houthi militia and its hostile and terrorist actions.