Houthi Drone Attempting to Enter Makkah Airspace Destroyed
The coalition said the protection of the two holy mosques is a “red line” and that it would take all necessary measures against the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that attempted to enter the airspace around Makkah, the Saudi-led military coalition said.
According to the coalition, the drone was intercepted before it could enter the restricted airspace surrounding Makkah.
Earlier, after receiving potential threats, Saudi Arabia had deployed additional air defence systems around the Kaaba as a precaution against possible Houthi attacks. The security measures were taken after Iran-backed militants launched a missile attack towards Medina.
The coalition said the protection of the two holy mosques is a “red line” and that it would take all necessary measures against the Houthis.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the latest incident was the second reported attempt by the Houthis to target Makkah. In July 2017, a ballistic missile was also launched towards Mecca, according to Saudi authorities.
Earlier on Tuesday night, warning sirens were activated in the Saudi cities of Jazan, Abha and Khamis Mushait over potential attack threats. The warnings were lifted shortly afterwards.
On Monday, multiple ballistic missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi forces towards Saudi Arabia injured 13 civilians.
Al-Malki said the Houthis had targeted civilians and civilian property, describing the attacks as evidence of what he called the group’s extremist ideology and policy of escalating tensions.
He said the coalition forces would respond to the attacks with responsibility and determination and would take all necessary operational and defensive measures to counter the Houthis.
