By George Omagbemi
Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement of attempting to target the holy city of Mecca after its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of the city.
According to Saudi authorities, the drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening before it could enter Mecca’s prohibited airspace. Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims remains a “red line.”
The accusation comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with the group launching attacks against Saudi targets in recent days.
However, the Houthis have denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites. The denial means that, at this stage, the identity of the party responsible for the drone’s intended destination remains based on competing claims rather than an independently established finding.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also expressing concern over threats to the security of Mecca and Medina.
The latest incident is particularly sensitive because Mecca is Islam’s holiest city and attracts millions of Muslim worshippers, particularly during the annual Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Saudi Arabia has warned that any threat to the holy sites or pilgrims will be treated as a serious security matter.
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