Saudi air defenses intercept drone targeting Mecca airspace

The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, stated that at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Saudi Royal Air Defense forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthi terrorist militia before it entered the prohibited airspace over the holy city of Mecca. The drone was intercepted south of Mecca.

Major General Al-Maliki noted that this hostile and terrorist attempt marks the second time Mecca has been targeted, following a previous ballistic missile launch on July 27, 2017. He described the act as disgraceful, targeting the birthplace of Islam and a destination for millions of Muslims worldwide, and as an attempt to intimidate pilgrims and harm citizens and residents. He added that this attack will remain a stain on the record of violations committed by the extremist Houthi militia, as it deliberately seeks to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.

Major General 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 terrorist militia and its hostile actions.