Riyadh: Saudi Arabia issued a brief aerial threat alert covering the holy city of Mecca and parts of its western coast after its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca, according to Saudi authorities. The alert was later lifted after officials said the immediate danger had passed.
The incident marked the first reported aerial threat alert in Mecca, raising concerns as fighting involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels continues to spread across the region. Saudi authorities said the drone was destroyed before entering the restricted airspace over the holy city.
Alerts issued across western Saudi Arabia
Saudi Civil Defence also issued temporary alerts in areas including Jeddah and Taif, alongside several other locations. Residents were advised to move indoors and follow official safety instructions until the danger had passed.
The latest incident followed Houthi attacks that Saudi authorities said injured 13 civilians and damaged homes and vehicles in parts of the kingdom. The attacks involved ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki described the security of Mecca and the Two Holy Mosques as a “red line” and said necessary measures would be taken to deter further attacks.
Houthis deny targeting Mecca
The Houthis rejected Saudi Arabia’s account, denying that they had targeted Mecca. Houthi political bureau member Hazem Al-Assad described the Saudi allegation as false, according to reports.
The escalation comes amid renewed fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The Houthis have also expanded their activities around the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, increasing concerns over regional security and international shipping.
The incident has placed the security of one of Islam’s holiest cities at the centre of growing regional tensions, although Saudi authorities said the immediate aerial threat had been contained.