MAKKAH — Saudi air defense systems intercepted a reported drone heading toward Makkah on Tuesday. The incident occurred before the drone could enter the city’s restricted airspace.
According to Saudi authorities, the drone was reportedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki confirmed the interception.
He said the drone was detected and destroyed south of Makkah. The interception took place around 6:50 p.m. on September 15.
Debris from the intercepted drone reportedly fell in an area south of the holy city. Authorities did not report casualties from the incident.
Al-Malki described the incident as the second reported attempt to target Makkah. He referred to a previous incident from July 27, 2017.
At that time, a ballistic missile was reportedly launched toward the holy city. Saudi authorities said security around Makkah remains a priority.
They also stressed the protection of the Grand Mosque and other holy sites. Measures will reportedly be taken to prevent similar incidents.
The reported drone attack came one day after emergency alerts were issued. Saudi Civil Defense warned of possible aerial threats in several areas.
The alerts covered Makkah, Jeddah and Taif. Authorities later said the threat in Makkah had passed.
Saudi officials described the reported launch as an attempt to target Makkah. The city is Islam’s holiest site and attracts millions of worshippers.
Officials also warned that such incidents could create fear among pilgrims. Residents and other civilians could also be affected by such threats.
The reported drone attack followed claims involving other missile and drone strikes. The Saudi-led coalition said 13 civilians were injured in earlier attacks.
The reported injuries occurred in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. Seven homes and two vehicles were also reportedly damaged.
The latest incident comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen. Clashes between government-aligned forces and the Houthi movement have reportedly intensified.
The fighting has increased since early July after a period of relative calm. Yemen’s conflict has continued for more than a decade.
The Houthis seized Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, in 2014. They later expanded their control across several parts of the country.
In 2015, a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in Yemen. The intervention supported Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The Houthis have rejected the allegations concerning the reported drone attack. They described the claims about targeting Makkah as false.
Saudi-led coalition forces have said they will respond to further Houthi attacks. Saudi Arabia has also indicated plans for stronger action against future threats.
In other news read more about Emergency Alert Issued in Makkah After Yemen Strikes
The incident has renewed attention on air security around Makkah. Authorities continue to monitor potential aerial threats in the region.
