Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter the restricted airspace over the holy city, according to the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.
Coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims remains a “red line,” and that the Joint Forces Command would take necessary deterrent measures.
Saudi authorities described the incident as a second alleged attempt to target Mecca, referring to a ballistic missile launched from Yemen in July 2017. The Houthis, however, have denied targeting the holy city.
The incident comes amid continuing regional tensions and the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi movement in Yemen.
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