Saudi Arabia Warns Houthis After Drone Intercepted Near Makkah

Saudi Arabia has sharply condemned the Houthis for the intercept and destruction of one of its drones Tuesday evening in Makkah, south of the country, and warned that it would take further action if it was found the group was targeting crown property.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki claimed it intercepted the threat at around 6:50 PM before it could cross the prohibited airspace around Islam’s holiest city.

The incident comes on top of rising security worries over cross-border drone and missile activity in southern and western Saudi Arabia.

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Coalition Declares Security of Holy Sites a “Red Line”

Major General Turki Al-Maliki condemned the reportedly carried out drone operation, and called the security of the Two Holy Mosques an absolute “red line.”

The coalition stated the reported attack was an “egregious provocation” and that it was designed to instill fear in pilgrims. It also deemed attacks on “populated or protected areas” to be in violation of IHL.

The coalition vowed to respond to threats on the security of the holy sites with “forceful deterrent measures”.

Emergency Alerts Issued Across Makkah

Emergency alerts were sent out via the National Early Warning Platform for a short while, in western governorates, including Makkah, after the aerial danger was detected.

The warnings were aimed at alerting citizens and people in the affected areas, as the security threat was being dealt with. Once the drone had been intercepted and the situation cleared, the restrictions and alerts were cancelled.

The event reminds of the need to monitor the airspace around Makkah and the need for early warning systems especially in times of heightened regional security concerns.

Houthis reject Saudi accusations

The Houthis’ officials strongly rejected Saudi Arabia’s version of the incident. Senior Houthis officials and political bureau representatives brushed them aside, calling the accusations a “worn-out lie.”

The Houthis’ military offensive was against “strategic military bases and infrastructure,” not holy sites, the party said.

Both sides continue to disagree about the intentions and objectives of counter-border military operations, with the competing versions serving as a reminder.

Second Reported Attempt Near Makkah

Tuesday’s incident was the second direct attack by the Houthis against Makkah that the Saudi-led coalition has reported, the spokesman said.

A ballistic missile fired by the Houthis over the previously reported incident in July 2017 was shot down as it approached Makkah.

The latest drone interception is amid growing security tensions in the region as heightened tensions continue over the Bab al-Mandab strait and ongoing threats from the sea and border areas.

FAQs

At what time did the Houthi drone get caught?

The drone was captured about 6:50 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Where was the drone intercepted?

Saudi air defence forces have shot down and neutralised the drone, which was attempting to cross airspace north of the city of Makkah, before it could enter the restricted zone around the holy city.

What warning did Saudi Arabia issue?

The Saudi-led coalition announced that the security of the Two Holy Mosques is a “red line” and it will resort to “forceful deterrent actions” to threats to the security of the Two Holy Mosques.