Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted a Houthi Drone Near Mecca

In mid-September 2026, Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone near Mecca. The Saudi-led coalition said the drone was destroyed before it entered the airspace of the holy city, and Saudi officials accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca, calling it a "red line." The Houthis denied the accusation, calling it a "tiresome lie."

The incident was reported as the first red alert at Islam's holiest site. Saudi Arabia has been facing an advance by the Houthis, and the coalition said the drone was intercepted south of Mecca.