Saudi Arabia Says Houthi Drone Intercepted Near Makkah

Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Yemeni group.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the drone was intercepted on Tuesday before it entered the restricted airspace over the holy city. He described the security of Makkah and Muslim pilgrims as a “red line”.

The Houthis have denied targeting Makkah. Houthi officials described Saudi Arabia’s allegation as false, according to reports.

Saudi Arabia Warns of Deterrent Action

The Saudi-led coalition warned that it would take necessary measures in response to threats against the kingdom.

The incident has sharply raised tensions between Riyadh and the Houthis. It also comes as fighting intensifies along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across parts of the kingdom on Tuesday. The warnings included Makkah and Jeddah and followed a series of attacks by Houthi forces.

The coalition said the drone incident marked the second reported Houthi attempt to target Makkah. The previous incident involved a ballistic missile launched in 2017, according to the coalition.

Houthis Reject Saudi Allegation

The Houthis rejected the accusation that they targeted Makkah or other Islamic holy sites.

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The denial came as the group continued attacks against Saudi targets amid renewed fighting in Yemen. Houthi forces have also claimed attacks on Saudi military facilities.

Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded toward the Red Sea coast. Houthi forces have seized parts of the coastline overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s key maritime routes.

Pakistan Condemns Reported Attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he described as an attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

He praised Saudi forces for their response and called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint.

Sharif also urged regional parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the security of the Two Holy Mosques.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the incident. He said any threat to the Two Holy Mosques would affect Muslims worldwide and regional security.

OIC Condemns Reported Attack

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it described as attacks targeting Makkah and the Madinah region.

The reaction came amid growing concern across the region over the expansion of the Yemen conflict and attacks on Saudi territory.

Saudi Arabia has also sought stronger regional support as Houthi attacks threaten its security and oil-export routes. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo to discuss the escalating situation.

Red Sea Shipping Faces Fresh Risks

The latest escalation also threatens maritime traffic through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Houthis have expanded their presence along Yemen’s western coast. Their position near the strategic strait has raised concerns over shipping and Saudi oil exports.

The disruption comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely affected by the wider Middle East conflict. As a result, regional energy markets face additional uncertainty.

Saudi Arabia has also faced attacks on critical oil infrastructure. Reuters reported that Riyadh is increasing alternative crude shipments through Oman after damage to its East-West pipeline.

The latest Makkah incident therefore adds another sensitive dimension to an already widening regional conflict.